This creamy Pumpkin Alfredo recipe combines the rich flavors of pumpkin puree with classic Alfredo sauce for a comforting pasta dish perfect for fall and beyond. Fettuccine noodles are tossed in a luscious sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, then garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a delightful meal.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
Pasta
8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 teaspoons salt, divided
Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 cup pumpkin puree (8.5 oz)
2 and 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (35%, 20 fl. oz)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1.8 oz)
For Serving
Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 teaspoon salt) to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
Make Sauce: Stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and the remaining teaspoon of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, about 5 minutes.
Thicken Sauce: Reduce heat to low and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, toss well to coat evenly, and heat through.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Use fresh pumpkin puree or canned pure pumpkin for best flavor.
To make the dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative, but the sauce may be less rich.
For a vegetarian version, ensure the Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet.
Salt the pasta water well to enhance the pasta flavor.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.
