Name: Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta; 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or sage, chopped for garnish; Toasted pumpkin seeds for topping (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 19 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again! This Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta brings together the best of cozy, autumnal flavors and silky Italian indulgence. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’ll create a dish that tastes like a hug in a bowl. Creamy, rich, and perfectly spiced, this pasta is destined to become your favorite weeknight treat or an impressive crowd-pleaser for friends and family feasts!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: every ingredient plays a key role in creating the irresistible taste and luxurious texture of this Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta. Don’t be tempted to swap or skip — each brings a special flair or essential flavor that makes the sauce truly sing!

Fettuccine or your favorite pasta (8 oz): Fettuccine’s wide ribbons catch all the creamy sauce, though any pasta shape you love will work beautifully.
Pumpkin puree (1 cup): Purée gives a naturally sweet, earthy backbone and silky body to the sauce; be sure it’s plain, not pie filling.
Heavy cream (1 cup): This is what transforms your sauce into a luxuriously creamy Alfredo worthy of a celebration.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): For that salty, tangy depth and the classic savor of Alfredo, nothing beats fresh-grated Parm.
Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Butter kicks off the sauce right, adding richness and helping the garlic flavor bloom.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with aromatic magic — don’t skimp here!
Nutmeg (1/2 tsp): A pinch brings out the warmth in the pumpkin and elevates your Alfredo to something special.
Cinnamon (1/2 tsp): A gentle amount makes the sauce fragrant and adds a subtle seasonal twist.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Proper seasoning balances all that creaminess — taste as you go!
Fresh parsley or sage (for garnish): A shower of herbs brings freshness and a pop of color to finish your plate.
Toasted pumpkin seeds (optional): If you want crunch and a nutty contrast, don’t skip these delightful toppers.

How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta of choice. Cook it until just al dente, following the package instructions. Before you drain, remember to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water — it’s a secret weapon for perfecting the sauce later! Drain, set aside, and keep it ready for its creamy transformation.

Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute or two, until the kitchen smells heavenly and the garlic is soft but not brown. This aromatic base is going to infuse every strand of pasta with flavor.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Cream

Now comes the star moment: stir in the pumpkin puree, pour in the heavy cream, and sprinkle in that nutmeg and cinnamon. Whisk everything together so the sauce is smooth, dreamy, and warmly spiced. Let it bubble gently for three to five minutes — this helps everything marry while filling the air with anticipation.

Step 4: Incorporate Parmesan Cheese

Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking as you go. The sauce will become lush and creamy, and if it’s looking too thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water. This is your chance to create that perfect, silky Alfredo sauce — not too tight, not too loose!

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta right into the skillet and toss everything together. Those golden ribbons should be luxuriously coated in your pumpkin Alfredo, so keep stirring until each strand is blanketed in sauce. Taste, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper for balance.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out generous portions onto plates or bowls, then add a finishing touch: fresh parsley or sage, and a scattering of toasted pumpkin seeds if you like a little crunch. The Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta is ready to impress — serve hot and enjoy every cozy bite!

How to Serve Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

If you want your Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta to truly wow, garnishes are everything! Fresh chopped parsley brings brightness, while ribbons of sage add that quintessential autumn aroma. For a final flourish, toasted pumpkin seeds land a nutty crunch and a sprinkle of Parmesan never hurts. You can even finish with a dusting of black pepper for just a hint of heat.

Side Dishes

Balance all that rich, creamy goodness with something fresh and lively. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve up garlic bread or warm focaccia — perfect for swiping up every last drop of sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots make wonderful seasonal companions too.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by twirling mounds of pasta into shallow bowls and topping each with an artful cluster of toasted seeds and herbs. For gatherings, try serving the Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta family-style from a big platter, or fill tiny cups for a fun appetizer version at autumn parties. For dinner-for-two vibes, pair the pasta with candles and your prettiest dinnerware!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If possible, store the pasta and sauce separately to keep the texture at its best, but all together is fine for grab-and-go lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze the pumpkin Alfredo sauce by itself in a well-sealed container for up to two months. Pasta doesn’t love the freezer quite as much, but if you’re freezing leftovers with noodles mixed in, stir very gently when reheating so it stays as creamy as possible.

Reheating

When reheating, a splash of milk or cream added to the pan works wonders to bring the sauce back to life. Gently warm over low heat, stirring often, until creamy and hot. If microwaving, heat in short bursts and stir in between for best results. Don’t forget an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs to revive the dish!

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Simply roast and mash your pumpkin until very smooth, then measure out one cup for the recipe. It brings even more homemade charm (and a little extra sweetness and texture) to your Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian or gluten free?

The recipe is already vegetarian as written. For gluten free, just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the sauce is naturally gluten free, making this an easy adaptation for most diets.

Can I lighten the sauce?

For a lighter version of Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, though the result will be a touch less rich. You can also try reducing the butter slightly without losing too much lusciousness.

What protein would pair well with this dish?

Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon bits make fabulous add-ins or toppings and play wonderfully with the creamy, spiced pumpkin sauce. For a plant-based boost, try chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture.

How can I adjust the spice level?

If cinnamon or nutmeg isn’t your thing, simply reduce the amounts or omit one altogether. Love heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter and garlic step for a gentle kick that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as smitten with this Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta as I am — it’s the ultimate way to bring a touch of autumn coziness to your table any night of the week. Gather your loved ones, twirl up a fork, and enjoy this lovely seasonal treat together!