If you’re looking for a cozy, creamy dinner that’s a little bit different, this Pumpkin Alfredo is just what you need! It’s rich, comforting, and full of that perfect fall flavor. Your family will love the creamy pumpkin sauce over pasta—it's the ultimate fall twist on a classic favorite!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Rich and Creamy: The velvety pumpkin sauce adds a luxurious texture to every bite.
- Perfect Fall Twist: A creative way to enjoy seasonal pumpkin flavors in a savory dish.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Comforting and delicious, it’s a pasta dinner everyone will rave about!
🥘 Ingredients
- Fettuccine Pasta: The perfect base for soaking up all the creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a velvety texture in the sauce.
- Garlic: Gives the sauce a warm, savory kick that balances the pumpkin’s sweetness.
- Pumpkin Puree: The star of the dish, adding natural sweetness, creaminess, and a cozy fall vibe.
- Nutmeg: Brings a warm, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.
- Half and Half: Makes the sauce creamy without being too heavy, keeping it light and luscious.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that ties all the flavors together.
- Parsley: A fresh, herby garnish that brightens up the dish.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Half and half swap—go heavy cream for extra richness or coconut milk to keep it vegan.
- Pasta remix—spaghetti, linguine, or zoodles if you're feelin' light.
- Pumpkin switch—try butternut squash or sweet potato for that same creamy, cozy vibe.
🔪 How To Make Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo
- Step 1: Cook the fettuccine in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain, saving 2 cups of pasta water. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in pumpkin puree, nutmeg, and half and half until well combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add pasta water, ½ cup at a time, to the sauce. Stir and cook on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until creamy.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Step 5: Mix the pasta and sauce thoroughly, coating every strand.
- Step 6: Plate the pasta, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Toast the Nutmeg: Toast the nutmeg for a few seconds in the pan to enhance its warm, earthy flavor.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a richer taste than pre-shredded.
- Add a Pinch of Chili Flakes: A tiny sprinkle of chili flakes adds a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
- Finish with Olive Oil: Drizzle a touch of olive oil on the plated pasta for extra richness and shine.
💭 FAQs
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead Of Puree?
Absolutely! Roast and blend fresh pumpkin until smooth before using.
How Can I Make The Sauce Thicker?
Simmer longer to reduce liquid or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I Prepare The Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, make the sauce and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Why Is My Sauce Too Runny?
Avoid adding too much pasta water, and let the sauce simmer to thicken.
Can I Add Protein To The Dish?
Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp make excellent additions.
How To Store Leftover Alfredo Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are some great ways to serve Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo.
- Seared Scallops: For a touch of luxury, serve your pumpkin Alfredo with perfectly caramelized scallops.
- Almond Crusted Chicken: Adds protein and complements the flavors.
- Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: The earthy sweetness of roasted beets pairs beautifully with the creamy Alfredo, while goat cheese adds tanginess.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a slightly bitter contrast to the creamy pumpkin Alfredo.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus spears are simple, elegant, and balance the richness of the dish.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo
This Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo is the perfect fall twist on a classic! It’s cozy, creamy, and so easy to whip up for dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Fettuccine Pasta Save 2 Cups Of Pasta Water
- 6 tbsp. Butter
- 2 tsp. Garlic Minced
- 1 Cup Pumpkin Puree
- ⅛ Nutmeg
- ⅔ Half and Half
- ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Parsley
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain, saving 2 cups of pasta water. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, nutmeg, and half and half until well combined.
- Gradually add pasta water, ½ cup at a time, to the sauce. Stir and cook on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, in the sauce.
- Mix the pasta and sauce thoroughly, coating every strand.
- Plate the pasta, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Toast the Nutmeg: Toast the nutmeg for a few seconds in the pan to enhance its warm, earthy flavor.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a richer taste than pre-shredded.
Add a Pinch of Chili Flakes: A tiny sprinkle of chili flakes adds a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
Finish with Olive Oil: Drizzle a touch of olive oil on the plated pasta for extra richness and shine.
Nutrition
Calories: 672kcalCarbohydrates: 88gProtein: 21gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 154mgSodium: 389mgPotassium: 442mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10266IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 176mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
We love this creamy pumpkin alfredo. It's super creamy and adds extra flavor to your regular alfredo dish. I sometimes add shrimp or chicken pieces to bulk out this dish.