Embrace the flavors of fall with this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Spinach. This comforting dish marries the rich, earthy taste of pumpkin with a creamy sauce that’s both delicious and nutritious. Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and health benefits, making this recipe a perfect choice for cozy dinners during the cooler months or whenever you crave a seasonal treat.
Ingredients:
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
1/4 cup vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions:
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream (or coconut milk), vegetable broth, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add Spinach:
Incorporate the fresh spinach into the sauce, cooking until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy pumpkin sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve:
Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Serving Tips:
Serving Suggestions:
This creamy pumpkin pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For added texture and flavor, consider serving it with garlic bread or crusty rolls.
Garnish Ideas:
Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, or a dash of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Temperature:
Serve the pasta warm for the best flavor and texture. If it’s been sitting out, gently reheat it over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration:
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce may thicken upon cooling, so you may need to add a bit of water or broth when reheating.
Freezing:
If you plan to freeze leftovers, store the pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. To prevent the sauce from separating, consider freezing the sauce and pasta separately if possible.
Reheating:
For best results, reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to the pan to loosen the sauce and stir occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Preventing Pasta from Drying Out:
To keep the pasta from drying out during storage or reheating, be sure it is well-coated in sauce. Adding a little extra liquid when reheating can help maintain the creamy consistency.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Conclusion:
This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Spinach combines the velvety texture of a creamy pumpkin sauce with the health benefits of spinach, offering a hearty and satisfying meal. The nutmeg adds a hint of warmth that’s perfect for fall, while the Parmesan cheese gives a touch of savory depth. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
📖 Recipe:
PrintCreamy Pumpkin Pasta with Spinach
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Spinach, a perfect fall dish that combines the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin with a velvety cream sauce. This easy-to-make pasta is enhanced with fresh spinach, offering a nutritious and delicious meal ideal for cozy dinners. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of seasonal, wholesome dishes.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
1/4 cup vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream (or coconut milk), vegetable broth, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan cheese (if using) and fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
If the sauce thickens too much during storage or reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 370 kcal
Keywords: Creamy pumpkin pasta, pumpkin pasta recipe, fall pasta dishes, spinach pasta, easy pasta recipes, comforting fall meals