Can I use homemade pumpkin puree for Creamy Pumpkin Pasta?

Yes. Homemade puree works, although it may contain more water than canned pumpkin. Let the sauce cook a little longer before adding the milk if it appears loose.

How do I keep Creamy Pumpkin Pasta from becoming too thick?

Add reserved pasta water a little at a time while tossing. When reheating leftovers, use water or milk to return the sauce to a creamy consistency.

Can I freeze the finished pasta?

The sauce freezes better than the assembled pasta. Freeze the cooled sauce for up to 6 months, thaw it in the refrigerator, and combine it with freshly cooked pasta.

Which pasta shapes work best?

Rigatoni, penne rigate, and cavatappi are excellent because their ridges and curves hold the creamy sauce.

Easy 30-Minute Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Print Recipe

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta coats ridged rigatoni in a savory pumpkin, sage, garlic, milk, and Parmesan sauce that is ready in about 30 minutes.

Author: Sophia Mitchell

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound rigatoni pasta, or another ridged pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh sage leaves, about 8 large leaves
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (15-ounce) can plain pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving if desired

Instructions

Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 1/2 cups pasta water, then drain.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the sage and garlic for about 1 minute.
Stir in pumpkin puree, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add milk and stir until creamy.
Toss in the pasta and enough reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes.
Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan, and serve warm.

Notes

Use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Add pasta water gradually; the full amount may not be necessary.
Refrigerate leftovers for 4 to 5 days.

Find it online: https://thekitchenfinesse.com/2026/08/03/creamy-pumpkin-pasta/