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Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta: 5-Step Easy Dinner

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner that turns a kitchen mishap into a velvety, comforting pasta dish. This savory alfredo sauce features pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese for a rich, seasonal twist on a classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) dry pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • 1 cup (240ml) cold heavy cream
  • 15-ounce (425g) can 100% pure pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 3–4 cloves fresh minced garlic
  • 1 cup (100g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Reserved pasta water as needed

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Pour in pumpkin puree and stir into the butter and garlic mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw taste.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking constantly until smooth. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Remove pan from heat. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until completely melted and incorporated. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until coated. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Always remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. For a lighter version, swap half the heavy cream for whole milk, though the sauce will be thinner.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin alfredo, creamy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, fall recipes, comfort food, pumpkin sauce, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/creamy-pumpkin-alfredo-pasta-5-step-easy-dinner/