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Creamy One-Pot Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta: Best Easy Dinner

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This creamy one-pot pumpkin alfredo is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your fall rotation. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, comforting enough to feel like a treat, and simple enough that you don’t have to think too hard.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Fresh sage leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Pour in the broth, heavy cream, and pumpkin puree. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
  3. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, a few cracks of black pepper, and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  4. Add the dry pasta, stirring to ensure it is submerged in the liquid as much as possible.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking.
  6. After 10 minutes, taste a piece of pasta. It should be al dente. If too firm, cover and cook for another 2 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm broth or milk.
  7. Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir vigorously until melted and the sauce is glossy and thick.
  8. Let the pasta rest, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh sage leaves or extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Use short pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne. Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken. For a richer flavor, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin alfredo, one-pot pasta, fall dinner, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, pumpkin recipe

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/creamy-one-pot-pumpkin-alfredo-pasta-best-easy-dinner/