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This creamy, dreamy Pumpkin Spaghetti Alfredo recipe is the ultimate Fall comfort food. With fresh pumpkin puree, cream, sage, wine and spices, this pumpkin pasta is on the table in under 20 minutes!
This recipe was originally published in November 2017. It has been updated with improved content and photos.
One of the best things about creamy pasta recipes is, well besides their creamy deliciousness, how quick and easy they are to make. This Pumpkin Spaghetti Alfredo is a Fall inspired twist on traditional Fettucine Alfredo.
With pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with fresh sage, this creamy pasta has all the Fall feels!
Why This Recipe Works
- Pumpkin puree (Learn How to make Pumpkin Puree) mixed with cream, spices and fresh sage has the most incredible rich texture, with the perfect hint of Fall flavors;
- It comes together quickly and is perfect for an easy weeknight meal;
- It has bacon which automatically means it's good...right?
Step By Step Instructions
Start by cooking the pasta about 2 minutes less than what the package says. We want it to be al dente. It will finish cooking in the sauce at the end.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and add garlic and shallots. Cook until soft. Add the chopped sage and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add the wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper and simmer until reduced by half (about 5 minutes).
Add the pumpkin puree and bacon and bring to a simmer.
Add the cream and bring back to a simmer. for about 3-5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Add the pasta and cook for about 1 minute.
Remove from heat and serve with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh sage leaves (optional).
Expert Tips
- Make sure not to overcook your pasta or the dish will be mushy. Cook it al dente, or even slight less as it will continue to cook when added to the sauce;
- Cook the bacon extra crispy to ensure it is easily crumbled and doesn't get soggy in the dish;
- You can make the pumpkin alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use. Just heat it and mix with cooked pasta to serve. You may need to add a touch of milk or cream to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you thicken alfredo sauce? I typically use a cornstarch slurry to thicken alfredo sauce. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Pour it in the sauce, just a little at a time while stirring, until desired thickness is reached. Use more or less of the slurry as needed.
- How to thin out alfredo sauce? You can thin it by adding a touch of cream, white wine or whole milk. Just mix while adding the additional liquid until the desired consistency is reached.
- How long does alfredo last? Alfredo sauce will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
- Can you freeze fettucine alfredo? You can freeze the alfredo sauce, but I don't recommend freezing it with the pasta. Freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove top, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
More Savory Pumpkin Recipes
- Curry Pumpkin Soup;
- Creamy Pumpkin Pasta;
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds;
- Pumpkin Spinach Salad from The Endless Meal;
- Pumpkin Chili from Olivia's Cuisine;
- Roasted Winter Vegetables.
Favorite Fall Recipes
- Butternut Squash Stuffing (with Bacon);
- Easy Pumpkin Scones;
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup;
- Caramel Apple Galette;
- Browse all the FALL RECIPES.
You May Also Love These Pasta Recipes
- Creamy Salmon Pasta;
- Creamy Cajun Pasta;
- Linguine with White Clam Sauce;
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi;
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta;
Did you make this pumpkin spaghetti alfredo recipe? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
Pumpkin Spaghetti Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Spaghetti
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- â…› tsp. cinnamon
- â…› tsp. nutmeg
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ tsp. sea salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp. fresh sage chopped
- 1 shallot minced
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 3 sliced cooked bacon crumbled
- 3 tbsp. butter
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain, rinse and set aside.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and add garlic and shallots. Cook until soft then add the chopped sage. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add the wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper and simmer until reduced by half (about 5 minutes).
- Add the pumpkin puree and bacon and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cream and bring back to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve garnished with fresh sage leaves.
Expert Tips:
- Make sure not to overcook your pasta or the dish will be mushy. Cook it al dente, or even slight less as it will continue to cook when added to the sauce;
- Cook the bacon extra crispy to ensure it is easily crumbled and doesn't get soggy in the dish;
- You can make the pumpkin alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use. Just heat it and mix with cooked pasta to serve. You may need to add a touch of milk or cream to thin it out.
Nutrition
Sophie
This is such an amazing recipe. Love the usage of a vegetable in the sauce. Nutritious yet yum!
Danielle
Thanks Sophie!
Leslie
Great recipe! Such a fun, creative twist. on a traditional pasta dish. Great flavors too!
Danielle
Thanks Leslie!
Analida Braeger
I love the tips on how to construct the sauce in the pan and get it nice and thick!
Danielle
I'm glad you like it 🙂
Bernice Hill
This dish has such a wonderful combination of flavours...how can you go wrong with cream, bacon and pumpkin on pasta?!
Danielle
Right? Thanks Bernice!
Amanda
There's nothing better than a big bowl of Alfredo pasta, and I love the pumpkin twist for the fall. Talk about the perfect comfort food!
Danielle
Thanks Amanda!
Elaine
I was just thinking what pasta recipe to make before I've stumbled upon yours. I am not thinking about which pasta to make anymore but I do think about making a bit more than enough now... just in case! 🙂 Amazing how quickly you can prepare it!
Danielle
LOL thanks Elaine!
Michelle
The addition of pumpkin makes it so rich and delicious! Perfect for fall!
Danielle
Thanks Michelle!
Chichi
Hmmm. This is a great idea. Never thought to add pumpkin to Alfredo sauce. The perfect pasta for fall. Love it.
Danielle
Thanks Chichi!
Denay DeGuzman
I love making seasonal recipes, and this pumpkin alfredo is a real winner! It tastes amazing!!! Thank you so much for sharing this yummy recipe.
Danielle
You're welcome Denay 🙂
Jenn
What an amazing recipe! I love the idea of using pumpkin - and it feeds my need for all things pumpkin this fall! Trying this one soon!
Danielle
Thanks Jenn!
Natalie
Looks so creamy and delicious! Perfect for a comforting Fall dinner ♥
Danielle
Thanks!
Swathi
Pumpkin bacon alfredo pasta looks delicious, it is perfect for pumpkin season. Now I can buy pumpkin in stores cheap.
Danielle
Thanks Swathi!
Natalie
Oh wow... this looks delicious. Creamy and flavorful. And it's super easy to make. I'm putting this on my to try dinner list. Can't wait to make it!
Danielle
Hope you love it Natalie!
Aimee Mars
Oh wow, this does sound like the ultimate comfort food. I love how thick you made the alfredo and the bacon is the perfect addition.
Danielle
Thanks Aimee!
Katherine
Such a quick and flavorful dish! The sage is an absolute must - I love it.
Danielle
Thanks Kate!
Ramona
It cannot get any more seasonal than this - such a nice, simple and full of flavour pasta dish. I will be making this as soon as tonight - I have all ingredients and I am sure my family will be thrilled with this dish.
Danielle
Hope you love it Ramona!
Paula Montenegro
Alfredo + pumpkin + bacon immediately won my heart! That was not hard, haha. Great recipe idea for weekdays when I want a hearty meal with some veggies. Thanks for sharing!
Danielle
Thanks Paula!
Lisa Ho
I love cold weather(.... I love winter in Perth :))
and I love alfredo, my cold weather comfort food.
Must try with pumpkin next, your Alfredo looks scrumptious 😀
Danielle@wenthere8this
Thanks Lisa! I'm always in awe of people who love cold weather. I love cooking with pumpkin - I hope you enjoy the recipe 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine
I hear you about winter!!! Winter is awesome in Southern Asia but it is the worst in North Eastern Michigan. The words freezing rain and shoveling off your roof is not our idea of fun. Best way to warm up is with a delicious plate of your too good to be true pasta. Oh so creamy and delicious!
Danielle@wenthere8this
I can't even imagine! I complain about San Diego winter, but I think I would die in Michigan. The only saving grace about winter...warm pumpkin dishes 🙂
Michelle
Great flavor combo!!! Using pumpkin to dress up alfredo is perfect for this time of year. And of course, bacon makes everything better!
Danielle@wenthere8this
Thanks! If I have the chance to use bacon, I always do 🙂