Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Cozy up with this easy, creamy pumpkin pasta sauce recipe! Made from scratch in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for fall and winter weeknights, packed with garlic, shallots, and warming spices.
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 small shallot finely chopped
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh sage or thyme finely chopped (optional for garnish)
To serving
- pasta of your choice
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oilor butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 3 garlic cloves and 1 small shallot; cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Build the sauce: Stir in 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, ½ cup heavy cream, and ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth. Whisk until smooth. (Tip: Whisk pumpkin and cream together first to prevent lumps.)
- Season it: Add 1 Tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Simmer on low for 6–8 minutes until thickened.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese and Juice of ½ lemon. Taste and adjust seasonings.
To serve
- Toss with cooked pasta of your choice. Garnish with fresh sage or thyme if desired.
Farm Girl Tips
Tips & Variations
- Too thick? Whisk in pasta water, broth, or cream.
- Extra cozy: Top with toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds.
- Add protein: Sautéed chicken, shrimp, or turkey sausage work great.
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Storage
- Refrigerator: 4–5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 361mg | Potassium: 210mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 10117IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1mg
