Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pasta (Printable)

Pasta with pumpkin, cream cheese, and warming spices for a creamy, savory, autumn-inspired comfort meal.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 350 grams (12 oz) penne or rigatoni

→ Sauce

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 400 grams (1 2/3 cups) pumpkin purée
06 - 120 grams (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
07 - 120 ml (1/2 cup) whole milk
08 - 60 ml (1/4 cup) reserved pasta water
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

15 - 30 grams (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage or parsley
17 - Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), optional

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 60 ml (1/4 cup) of pasta water before draining the pasta.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the pumpkin purée, softened cream cheese, and milk into the skillet. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce achieves a smooth consistency.
04 - Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld the flavors.
05 - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess.
06 - Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as necessary with additional salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and toasted pumpkin seeds, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients available at any grocery store
  • Perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors
  • Creamy texture without heavy cream
  • Easily customizable for dietary preferences
02 -
  • High in vitamin A from the pumpkin
  • Can be made ahead and reheated beautifully
  • Perfect for meal prep lunches
  • Versatile base for adding protein like grilled chicken or crispy bacon
  • Naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan
03 -
  • The key to this pasta's success lies in the details. Always reserve pasta water before draining as its starchiness helps the sauce adhere to pasta better than plain water ever could. When adding cream cheese to the sauce cut it into small pieces first so it melts more quickly and evenly. For maximum flavor toast your spices in the oil for 30 seconds before adding the pumpkin puree which awakens their essential oils. If you find the sauce too thick thin it with pasta water not regular water. And finally never skip the final garnishes the contrast of fresh herbs against the rich sauce makes all the difference between a good pasta and a great one.

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