Baked Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe

You’re about to discover my favorite seasonal twist on classic Alfredo pasta that’ll have your kitchen smelling like autumn heaven. I’ve spent years perfecting this creamy pumpkin Alfredo sauce, and now I’m sharing all my secrets for getting that perfect balance of savory and subtle sweetness. With just a few pantry staples and some simple techniques, you’ll transform everyday pasta into a cozy fall masterpiece that even pumpkin skeptics can’t resist.

Why You’ll Love This Fall Pasta Dish

Comfort food season is finally here, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this cozy pumpkin Alfredo pasta with you.

You’ll love how this dish combines classic Alfredo creaminess with sweet, earthy pumpkin flavors. It’s incredibly easy to make ahead and reheats beautifully for busy weeknights.

Plus, the golden, bubbly cheese topping creates an irresistible autumn comfort food that’ll warm you from the inside out.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

While this creamy pasta comes together with just a handful of ingredients, each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect fall flavor.

You’ll need penne pasta (or any short pasta), pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling), heavy cream, garlic, sage, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese.

I love using fontina as a substitute when I’m craving something extra nutty and melty.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Though creating a baked pumpkin Alfredo might seem intimidating at first, I’ll guide you through each step to guarantee perfect results every time.

Start by boiling your pasta al dente, then make the sauce by combining pumpkin puree, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan in a pan.

Once blended, mix with pasta, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Making this pumpkin Alfredo even better comes down to mastering a few key tricks I’ve learned through plenty of trial and error.

For the creamiest sauce, let your cream cheese reach room temperature before mixing.

I’ve found that fresh sage leaves work better than dried, and you’ll want to brown your butter until it’s nutty-smelling but not burnt – trust me on this one.

Storage & Reheating Guidelines

To keep your leftover pumpkin Alfredo pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When you’re ready to reheat, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of milk over the pasta and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

For best results, you can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Once your creamy pumpkin Alfredo pasta is ready to serve, let’s explore some perfect pairings that’ll take this cozy dish to the next level.

I love serving this autumn-inspired pasta with complementary sides that enhance its rich, seasonal flavors.

• Garlic bread or crusty sourdough to soak up every bit of that velvety sauce
• Roasted brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
• Light mixed greens salad with apple slices and candied pecans