Pumpkin Pasta with Sage and Spinach
This creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Sage and Spinach is a cozy, seasonal dish perfect for chilly days. Combining earthy pumpkin, fragrant sage, and fresh spinach with a luscious cream sauce, it offers a comforting vegetarian meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, packed with fall flavors and versatility.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Sautéing
- Cuisine: American / Seasonal
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be Vegan if dairy substitutes used)
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
Sauce
- 1 to 1 ½ cups fresh pumpkin cubes or pumpkin puree
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 8–10 fresh sage leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Optional Add-Ons and Garnishes
- Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms (for protein boost)
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts
- Goat cheese or ricotta
- Fresh sage leaves (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan or nutritional yeast
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Prepare Your Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water, and set pasta aside.
- Sauté Sage and Garlic: In a large skillet, warm olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and crisp them up for about a minute. Add minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant without browning.
- Cook the Pumpkin Sauce: Add fresh pumpkin cubes or puree to the skillet and stir to combine with sage and garlic. Pour in heavy cream and stir continuously to create a smooth sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Spinach and Season: Toss in fresh spinach leaves and cook until just wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Combine and Serve: Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring all pasta is coated. Stir in grated Parmesan or chosen topping. Serve immediately, garnished with extra sage leaves or cheese.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin or homemade puree for a brighter, less sweet flavor instead of canned.
- Do not overcook spinach; add it last and cook just until wilted to preserve texture and color.
- Save some pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed for ideal consistency.
- Toasting sage leaves before adding other ingredients intensifies their aroma.
- Adjust the amount of cream to your preferred richness or substitute with lighter milk alternatives as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: pumpkin pasta, sage pasta, spinach pasta, creamy pumpkin sauce, vegetarian pasta, fall recipes, cozy dinner