Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta
Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce brings the flavors and aroma of fall to your table. Super creamy, delicious, and so easy to make, it’s ready to serve in under 15 minutes and makes a yummy fall weeknight meal.
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is changing, and the leaves are starting to fall. Outside my window, I can see all the pretty colors bursting out.
Also, as the days are getting shorter, they’re filled with a crisp feeling that makes me crave all things pumpkin and apple.
I like to find new recipes that contain pumpkin and experiment with my family to see if it is a hit with them.
Now, I am a sucker for alfredo sauce! That rich creaminess just satisfies every time!
I was trying to come up with something to make for dinner and was leaning toward some meat with alfredo pasta when inspiration struck: why not add some pumpkin to the alfredo sauce?
Brilliant, right? Since pumpkin is so versatile and has that earthy sweet flavor, I decided to give it a try.
So, now I bet you are wondering if this was a hit with my family. The answer is YES! From my picky eaters to the not-so-picky adults.
Add a side of broccoli, roasted veggies, or a side salad, and I’m sure you will see a lot of empty plates at the end of the meal (#momwin). 😉
Now go give it a try! What are you waiting for?
If you want more easy and delicious pumpkin recipes, try my Crock Pot Pumpkin Butter, Decadent Pumpkin French Toast, or Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal.
Ingredients Needed For Pumpkin Alfredo Recipe
- Fettuccine Pasta – cooked, drained
- Butter – salted
- Garlic – minced
- Pumpkin Puree
- Nutmeg
- Half and Half
- Parmesan Cheese – grated
- Parsley – plus additional parmesan for garnish
Note: for the full recipe, please check out the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of the post!
How To Make Pumpkin Alfredo
If you’ve ever made alfredo sauce before, it’s a snap. My top tip is to just not leave it on the stove unattended. Follow these step-by-step directions, and you’ll soon have a drool-worthy fall meal the entire family will love!
Step 1
Prepare the fettuccine pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain the water making sure to reserve 2 cups of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2
Cook the garlic in butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat for about 1 – 2 minutes.
Step 3
Next, stir in the following: half and half, parmesan, pumpkin, and nutmeg.
Step 4
Starting with 1/2 cup of the pasta water, pour into the skillet and stir, adding more pasta water until you reached the desired consistency for the sauce. Cook for 2 – 3 minutes on medium-high.
Step 5
Add in the cooked pasta and toss gently in the pumpkin sauce.
Step 6
Garnish with some parsley and parmesan cheese. Serve!
Pumpkin Alfredo Recipe Notes And Tips
- I prefer to add a couple of pinches of salt and a Tbsp of olive oil to the boiling water before adding the pasta. It is a great way to season the pasta without having to add more salt later. And the oil keeps the noodles from sticking together.
- When using the long fettuccine noodles, it is best to break the noodles in half. This will make it easier to stir while cooking and to serve. And it will also help make it easier to eat the noodles!
- Bowtie, penne, or spaghetti noodles will hold up well with this sauce if you prefer.
- Prep your ingredients before cooking to save time during the cooking process. For example, chop the garlic, bring water to a boil and grate the parmesan cheese.
- It is very important that you use fresh Parmesan or Romano cheese in this recipe. The fresh cheese will melt into the sauce better than the pre-packaged or pre-shredded cheeses.
Variations Of Pumpkin Alfredo To Try
- Add some protein to the plated pasta dish, such as diced chicken, pancetta, or Italian sausage.
- Sprinkle with a little cracked black pepper for a little extra zip.
- Replace the parmesan with goat cheese for a little extra creaminess and earthy flavor.
- Mushrooms and chopped onions are a delicious addition to the Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta.
- Cheese tortellini is a delicious substitute for fettuccine noodles.
- Top with shaved parmesan and toasted pine nuts. YUM!
FAQs
Here are a few common questions I see readers ask about Pumpkin Alfredo. If you have questions, check below to see if it’s already been answered. If it hasn’t (yet), leave your questions in the comments so I can answer them!
This sauce will reheat nicely in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove. You might need to add a splash of cream to the sauce to loosen it up after it has been in the fridge.
If stored in an air-tight container in the fridge, it will keep for up to 4 – 5 days.
Yes, you can! Allow the sauce to cool completely and store in an air-tight container for up to 3 – 4 months.
Double or triple the recipe and divide into appropriate size containers to freeze for quick and easy future meals.
Absolutely! If you have a homemade pumpkin puree recipe that works well for you, then use that instead if you prefer.
Of course, but keep in mind that the result will be that the sauce is a little less creamy and thick.
More Easy and Delicious Pumpkin Recipes
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Hand Pies
- The BEST Pumpkin Cobbler
- Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
- Easy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pancakes (Paleo Approved)
Pumpkin Alfredo
Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce brings the flavors and aroma of fall to your table. Super creamy, delicious, and so easy to make, it's ready to serve in under 15 minutes and makes a yummy fall weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta - cooked, drained (reserve 2 cups of pasta water)
- 6 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- ⅔ cup half and half
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Parsley & additional parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta per package directions, drain, set aside - be sure to reserve 2 cups of pasta water
- In a skillet over medium low heat cook garlic in butter for 1-2 minutes
- Stir in half and half, parmesan, pumpkin, and nutmeg
- Stir in pasta water ½ cup at a time until desired sauce consistency is reached and cook on medium high for 2-3 minutes
- Toss pasta in, plate, garnish with parsley and more parmesan
- Serve & enjoy!