Whip up this Simple and Delicious Pumpkin Pasta for a quick and flavorful meal. Made with Fettuccini, pumpkin puree, spinach, and garlic, this easy recipe is seasoned with smoked paprika and topped with crunchy walnuts and grated parmesan cheese. A squeeze of fresh lime brings a bright finish to this comforting dish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, ready in just 30 minutes!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Keyword Comfort Food, Fall Recipe, Fettuccini, Pumpkin Pasta
Prep Time 10 minutesmins
Cook Time 20 minutesmins
Total Time 30 minutesmins
Servings 4people
Calories 600
Author DelishDoers
Cost 25
Equipment
1 Skillet
Ingredients
8-10ozFettuccini Pasta
2cupsPumpkin Puree
3cupsSpinach leaves
½cupChicken broth
4-5Garlic clovesfinely minced
1cupChopped walnuts
½Limesqueezed
1tspSmoked paprika
½cupGrated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
Gather the Ingredients
Make sure all your ingredients are ready before you begin.
Cook the Pasta
Cook the Fettuccini according to package instructions, but stop 1-2 minutes before the recommended Al dente time. Reserve some pasta water, drain, and set the pasta aside.
Prepare the Pumpkin Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the pumpkin puree, whisk well, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Simmer for another 4-5 minutes.
Mix in the spinach leaves and stir until wilted.
Add the Pasta
Add the nearly Al dente pasta to the sauce.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir for about a minute.
Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Season and Finish
Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Squeeze the juice of half a lime into the sauce for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
Top with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino for extra richness.
Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Your Simple and Delicious Pumpkin Pasta is ready to serve! Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Video
Notes
Reserve Pasta Water: Save some of the starchy pasta water when draining. It helps to thicken the sauce and gives it a smooth, silky texture.
Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts in a dry pan before adding them enhances their flavor, giving a deeper, nutty taste to the dish.
Cook Pasta to Almost Al Dente: Undercook the pasta by 1-2 minutes, as it will continue to cook in the sauce, preventing it from becoming overcooked and mushy.