Dinner

Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Sage

Name: Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Sage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or linguine; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 6 fresh 6–8 sage leaves, chopped; 1 cup pumpkin purée; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; Pinch of nutmeg; ½ cup reserved pasta water; Extra Parmesan; Crispy fried sage leaves; Crushed walnuts or pecans

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Sage is the perfect fall-inspired comfort dish. It takes the richness of classic Alfredo and elevates it with velvety pumpkin purée, aromatic garlic, and earthy fresh sage. The result is a luscious, golden-hued sauce that clings beautifully to pasta, offering a balance of creamy indulgence and seasonal warmth.

This dish isn’t just about taste—it’s about mood. It feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket, making it ideal for chilly evenings, dinner parties, or weeknight meals when you crave something comforting yet sophisticated. Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a complete, restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it proves how versatile pumpkin can be. While most people think of pumpkin in desserts, this pasta shows off its savory side. The pumpkin adds natural sweetness and creaminess without overwhelming the sauce, and the sage ties it all together with a subtle earthy aroma.

It’s also a quick dish that feels luxurious without being complicated. In under 30 minutes, you can create something that tastes gourmet but uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but elegant enough to impress guests.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Seasonal & unique – a fun twist on classic Alfredo.
Creamy yet light – pumpkin cuts the heaviness of cream.
Quick & easy – dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Crowd-pleaser – familiar yet surprising in flavor.
Vegetarian-friendly – hearty without needing meat.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories (per serving): ~420 kcal
Cuisine: Italian-inspired, American twist
Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

12 oz fettuccine or linguine (or pasta of choice)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
6–8 fresh sage leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg (optional, enhances flavor)
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed for thinning sauce)

Optional Garnishes:

Extra Parmesan
Crispy fried sage leaves
Crushed walnuts or pecans

Quick Directions

Cook pasta until al dente.
Sauté garlic and sage in butter.
Stir in pumpkin purée, cream, Parmesan, and seasonings.
Toss pasta with sauce, thinning with pasta water if needed.
Garnish with Parmesan and sage.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Prepare Sauce Base

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and chopped sage. Cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Step 3: Make Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce

Stir in pumpkin purée and mix until smooth.
Slowly pour in cream, stirring constantly.
Add Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until sauce thickens and cheese melts.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add drained pasta to skillet with sauce.
Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture.

Step 5: Serve

Plate pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan, crispy sage, or nuts if desired.

How to Serve

Serve hot, straight from the skillet to the plate.
Pair with a side salad (arugula, pear, and walnut salad works beautifully).
A glass of crisp white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay) complements the dish.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente holds up best with creamy sauces.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Toasting the sage in butter before adding sauce intensifies its flavor.

Variations

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
Vegan Option: Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Nutty Touch: Stir in toasted walnuts or hazelnuts for crunch.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Sauce can be frozen (without pasta) for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Pasta tongs

Conclusion

Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Sage is a rich, comforting dish that beautifully bridges the flavors of autumn with the decadence of Italian cuisine. With its velvety sauce, warm spices, and aromatic sage, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or special-occasion meal. Easy, cozy, and absolutely delicious—it’s a must-try recipe for anyone who loves creamy pasta with a seasonal twist.

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