Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

There’s something magical about the way pumpkin recipes bring people together. I still remember that October afternoon when the wind first turned crisp and golden leaves danced along the sidewalk. I had a can of pumpkin purée on my counter and no plan. But with a little cream, garlic, and rigatoni, that can turned into the first bowl of what’s now a family favorite: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta. Rich, savory, and kissed with nutmeg — it warmed more than just our bellies that evening.

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What I love about pumpkin recipes like this one is how effortlessly they balance comfort with elegance. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a quiet fall gathering, this creamy one-pot dish turns simple ingredients into something special. It’s become a seasonal staple in my kitchen, and I hope it brings the same joy to yours.

Gather around the table — something delicious is waiting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is one of those pumpkin recipes that tastes like fall in every bite. It’s rich and velvety, with a savory depth from pumpkin, broth, and just the right hint of nutmeg.

It’s a breeze to make. With only one pot and 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that feels restaurant-worthy without the fuss. The sauce thickens as it simmers, clinging to every bite of rigatoni.

The flavor is cozy and balanced — not sweet, just deeply satisfying. It’s great for folks who want to ease into pumpkin recipes without diving headfirst into pie territory.

This recipe is family-friendly too. Even picky eaters can’t resist the creamy goodness (especially with extra Parmesan on top!). And it’s easy to double for holiday meals or leftovers.

Most of all, this pasta is versatile — enjoy it meatless or add cooked sausage or pancetta. Either way, it’s one of those pumpkin recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

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Ingredient Overview

This dish wraps all the best parts of pumpkin recipes into one creamy, comforting bowl. The sauce has a soft richness that builds slowly, thanks to everyday ingredients layered just right.

• Rigatoni Pasta: Its big ridges hold onto the pumpkin sauce like a dream. You can sub with penne or shells too.

• Pumpkin Purée: The heart of the dish. Smooth, earthy, and oh-so-satisfying — make sure it’s plain, not pie filling.

• Onion & Garlic: These aromatics are sautéed in butter to give the base a savory depth that builds flavor fast.

• Chicken Broth: Adds body and balance. For a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth instead.

• Heavy Cream & Sour Cream: The duo that brings the lusciousness. Sour cream adds that whisper of tang you’ll crave.

• Nutmeg: Just a pinch makes this pasta unmistakably fall-forward — a signature in savory pumpkin recipes.

• Salt & Pepper: Don’t be shy here — seasoning is key to bringing all the flavors together.

• Fresh Parsley: A pop of green on top adds freshness and beauty.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and richness right before serving.

Quick tip: Garnish with extra Parmesan curls and a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper for a cozy presentation.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10–11 minutes. Drain and set aside. This gives the pasta time to cool slightly while you make the dreamy pumpkin sauce that makes pumpkin recipes like this one so comforting.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant. This is your flavor foundation — don’t rush it!

Step 3: Stir in Pumpkin and Broth

Whisk in the pumpkin purée and chicken broth, smoothing out any lumps. Let the sauce come together slowly as it warms. This is where pumpkin recipes go from simple to luxurious.

Step 4: Add Cream and Sour Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the sour cream. These give the sauce its creamy, dreamy texture. Keep whisking gently until fully combined and velvety.

Step 5: Season with Spice and Simmer

Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Bring the sauce to a low simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip: Stir gently and don’t boil — you want smooth, not scrambled!

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the pumpkin sauce. Simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes. The sauce should cling beautifully to every noodle — exactly what we love in fall-forward pumpkin recipes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and minced fresh parsley. The creamy sauce, cozy spice, and melty cheese will make this one of your go-to pumpkin recipes for the season.

Pro Tips

Use high-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor. Not all pumpkin recipes are created equal — bland puree makes for a bland sauce. I love using organic canned pumpkin for consistent texture and rich taste.

Grate the Parmesan fresh. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt smoothly. A little effort here brings creamy luxury to all your favorite pumpkin recipes.

For silky sauce, whisk continuously as you add cream. This keeps the texture smooth and stops curdling, especially when working with sour cream in warm dishes like pumpkin recipes.

Save a cup of pasta water before draining. If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of starchy pasta water will loosen it without diluting flavor — a trick I use for nearly all my creamy pumpkin recipes.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a tablespoon of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

For more creamy comfort ideas that pair beautifully with fall dinners, check out our pumpkin cream cold brew to round out your meal.

Variations

Try it with penne, fusilli, or even tortellini. Different pasta shapes hold the sauce differently, letting you explore texture in new ways with your pumpkin recipes.

Want a protein boost? Stir in cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or crispy pancetta. It turns your creamy pumpkin recipes into hearty, full meals.

Vegetarian? Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get rich flavor while keeping your pumpkin recipes fully plant-based.

Go spicy with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. It adds a warm kick that balances the creamy base — especially satisfying in savory pumpkin recipes.

Add a seasonal twist by stirring in roasted mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra earthiness. For another cozy fall classic, take a peek at our chocolate chip pumpkin bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines as a standalone comfort meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a balanced fall dinner. I love serving Creamy Pumpkin Pasta alongside a glass of white wine — something bright and zippy like Sauvignon Blanc. For a cozy family night, try pairing it with our pumpkin cookies for dessert — a sweet ending to a savory spread of pumpkin recipes. And for guests? A cinnamon-sprinkled mocktail or our crowd-favorite pumpkin cream cold brew will turn your table into a seasonal dream.

Conclusion

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is a reminder that the heart of pumpkin recipes isn’t just flavor — it’s comfort, tradition, and creativity all in one bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or curling up on the couch with a big bowl and a movie, this dish delivers pure autumn magic. From the silky texture to the nutmeg-kissed sauce, it’s the kind of meal that creates new family favorites and keeps old ones alive.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a comment below or tag your creation on Pinterest or your favorite social app — I absolutely love seeing your cozy spins on my pumpkin recipes.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.