Pumpkin Pasta with Sage and Spinach
A warm and comforting fall-inspired dish combining tender pasta with a creamy pumpkin sauce, aromatic sage, and fresh spinach. This easy-to-make vegetarian pasta is perfect for weeknights, delivering rich, seasonal flavors with a velvety texture and vibrant colors.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni recommended)
Sauce
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 2–3 fresh sage leaves
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Sauté Sage and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and minced garlic; sauté gently until fragrant but not browned, infusing the oil with herbal flavor.
- Make the Pumpkin Sauce: Stir in the pumpkin puree and heavy cream (or coconut milk) to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Add Spinach and Season: Add fresh spinach leaves and stir until wilted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your taste, adjusting as needed for balance.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen the sauce to a creamy consistency if needed.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh sage and spinach for the best flavor and color.
- Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta without becoming too thick.
- Cook pasta al dente for the best texture and bite.
- Adjust creaminess by substituting cream or trying alternative milks like coconut milk.
- Enhance umami by adding a splash of soy sauce or miso paste if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: pumpkin pasta, autumn recipe, sage pasta, spinach pasta, creamy pumpkin sauce, vegetarian pasta, fall flavors, easy pasta recipe