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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

5.2 from 21 reviews

This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta recipe combines tender rigatoni with a rich, velvety pumpkin sauce made from pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and creamy dairy, seasoned with nutmeg and fresh parsley. It’s a comforting autumn-inspired dish perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta

Sauce

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Cook the rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water until it is al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Prepare Pumpkin Sauce: Whisk in the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Simmer Sauce: Let the pumpkin sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni into the skillet with the pumpkin sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta fully. Simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pasta.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and minced parsley before serving warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute dried sage or thyme for parsley for a different herbal note.
  • Use canned pumpkin puree or homemade pumpkin puree for best flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta to maintain a good texture when mixed with sauce.
  • Leftover pasta can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin pasta, creamy pumpkin sauce, rigatoni recipe, autumn pasta, seasonal dinner, pumpkin puree recipe