Pumpkin Sage Pasta

You know when a meal feels warm and cozy, like a hug on a plate? That’s exactly how I felt the first time I had Pumpkin Sage Pasta. It’s creamy, earthy, and just so comforting.

The pumpkin makes the sauce smooth and rich. And the sage adds this little hint of flavor that feels kind of fancy but still simple. Every bite feels like fall in a bowl.

I love how quick it comes together too. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like you worked all day, but really, it’s so easy. And it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone want seconds.

So, let’s cook up this Pumpkin Sage Pasta together. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it again and again.

Do you want me to also create the recipe card and step-by-step instructions for Pumpkin Sage Pasta in this same cozy style?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonally Inspired: With pumpkin at the heart of the recipe, this pasta dish brings all the cozy, warm flavors of fall to your table.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors: The combination of pumpkin, sage, and chives gives this pasta a fresh, savory, and slightly creamy taste that will leave you wanting more.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its decadent taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a little time.
• Comfort Food: It’s the perfect comfort food for any day of the week—creamy, hearty, and satisfying without being heavy.
• Flexible Recipe: You can customize the pasta with your favorite cheese or herbs, making it versatile for your taste preferences.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the ingredients and steps, here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Skillet or Pan: To prepare the creamy pumpkin sauce.
• Spoon or Whisk: To stir and combine ingredients smoothly.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping garlic, shallots, sage, and chives.
• Strainer: To drain the pasta.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful pasta dish (exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

• Pasta (16 oz): Use your favorite pasta—fettuccine, spaghetti, or even ravioli works great in this recipe.
• Butter (4 tablespoons): Butter brings a rich, silky base to the sauce.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant kick.
• Shallots (2 medium): Shallots add a mild, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• Pumpkin Puree (1 15oz can): Use unflavored pumpkin puree to get that smooth, sweet, and earthy flavor.
• Cream Cheese (2 oz): Adds a tangy richness that helps bring everything together. Alternatively, goat cheese works wonderfully here too!
• Fresh Sage (2 tablespoons or 1 teaspoon dried): Sage gives this pasta that signature fall flavor.
• Chives (3-4 tablespoons): For a fresh burst of color and flavor.
• Toasted Pepitas (½ cup): Pumpkin seeds bring an added crunch and nuttiness to the dish.
• Kosher Salt and Fresh Pepper: For seasoning and balancing the flavors.

Variations for Pumpkin Sage Pasta

While the base of this recipe is delicious, there are plenty of ways to make it your own! Here are a few variations you can try:

• Cheese Swap: If you want a different flavor profile, try swapping the cream cheese for ricotta, mascarpone, or Parmesan for a tangy or nutty twist.
• Add Protein: This dish is perfect with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon if you want to make it more hearty.
• Herb Variations: If you don’t have fresh sage, thyme or rosemary can be a great substitute. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the fall flavor even more.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in roasted or sautéed veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or kale for added color and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Pumpkin Sage Pasta is easy, and you’ll be enjoying this flavorful dish in no time. Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.

2. Sauté Garlic and Shallots

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped garlic and shallots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, and the shallots become soft and translucent. This step helps release the savory flavors of garlic and shallots into the butter.

3. Make the Pumpkin Sauce

Add the canned pumpkin puree to the pan with the garlic and shallots. Stir it well, allowing it to combine with the butter and aromatics. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to develop the flavors.

Now, add in the cream cheese (or goat cheese) and stir it in until the cheese melts into the pumpkin, creating a creamy, smooth sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

4. Add Sage and Season

Once the sauce is creamy, add the chopped fresh sage (or dried sage if using). Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the sage is evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat while you prepare the next step.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the pumpkin sage sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be rich and creamy, but not too heavy.

6. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Sprinkle the freshly chopped chives and toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) on top for a burst of freshness and crunch. If you like, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan or extra cheese for added richness.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Pumpkin Sage Pasta

This pumpkin sage pasta is a dish that’s rich enough to serve on its own or alongside a variety of options:

• With Salad: Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the pasta.
• As a Side Dish: Pair it with roasted meats like turkey, pork, or chicken for a well-rounded meal.
• With Bread: Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or cozy nights when you want something warm and comforting.

Storing Pumpkin Sage Pasta

Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though I doubt it!), here’s how you can store them:

• In the Fridge: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce will keep well, and you can reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to loosen it up.
• In the Freezer: This pasta can also be frozen. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it on the stovetop.

Nutrition Table

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition information for Pumpkin Sage Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	10g
Carbohydrates	60g
Fiber	4g
Sugars	7g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	400mg
Potassium	450mg
Vitamin A	180% DV
Vitamin C	10% DV
Calcium	6% DV
Iron	10% DV

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Sage Pasta is everything you need in a cozy fall dish: creamy, comforting, and packed with seasonal flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta will undoubtedly impress. The combination of pumpkin, sage, and creamy cheese creates a rich sauce that perfectly coats your pasta, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Plus, the added crunch from toasted pepitas and the fresh burst of chives elevate the dish to something special.

Make sure to try this recipe during the fall season—it’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of pumpkin and sage!