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Pumpkin Pasta

Ready in less than 30 minutes, this easy pumpkin pasta uses the BEST creamy, velvety pumpkin sauce. The subtle pumpkin flavor is perfectly balanced with fall-inspired herbs and cheesy creaminess.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Servings: 5 - 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces penne pasta or ziti, rigatoni, rotini
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 6 ounces cream cheese room temperature & cut into chunks
  • 1 can pumpkin puree
  • ¼ teaspoon ground sage
  • teaspoon nutmeg
  • teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup pasta water

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ¾ cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
  • While pasta cooks, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, cook the garlic for 1 - 2 minutes, until fragrant. 
  • Turn the heat to medium low and add the cream cheese. Once it begins to soften, stir in the milk. Stir and mash the milk and cream cheese together until it is melted and no lumps remain. Turn up the heat if needed to melt the cream cheese. 
  • Stir in the pumpkin puree, sage, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and pepper, to taste (I usually add ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper). 
  • Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted.  
  • Stir the pasta and pasta water gently into the sauce until combined. If desired, add less than the full ¾ cup pasta water for a thicker sauce. 
  • Serve immediately, optionally topped with more parmesan cheese.