Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Baked Pasta
If you’re craving comfort food with a cozy seasonal twist, this Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Baked Pasta is exactly the kind of dish you’ll fall in love with. It combines tender pasta, a velvety pumpkin-Parmesan Alfredo sauce, my custom Pumpkin Pie Spice mix, and gooey melted cheese baked to golden perfection. The pumpkin adds richness, nutrition, and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory Parmesan and warm spices. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that tastes luxurious but comes together in under an hour — perfect for weeknights, holidays, or anytime you want something deliciously creamy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, shells, or ziti work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin purée
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ – 1 tsp of my Pumpkin Pie spice mix (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes for heat
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- ¼ cup Parmesan (for topping)
- Fresh parsley or sage for garnish
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups / spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Garlic press
- Spoon
- Whisk
- Baking dish 9×13 inch
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente (it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in:
- pumpkin purée
- heavy cream or half-and-half
Whisk until smooth. Add:
- Parmesan
- salt and pepper
- paprika
- my Pumpkin Pie spice mix
- thyme
Simmer on low for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
3. Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and gently toss until fully coated.
4. Assemble the Baked Pasta
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Top with:
- mozzarella
- extra Parmesan
5. Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Broil for 1–2 minutes if you want extra browning.
6. Serve
Let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or crisped sage.
Serve warm and enjoy luxuriously creamy pumpkin perfection!
Tips & Variations
- Make it heartier: Add cooked chicken, sausage, shrimp, or bacon.
- Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli fit beautifully.
- Use whole-wheat pasta for an extra-nutritious dinner.
- Make it extra creamy: Add 2 oz cream cheese to the sauce.
- Go gourmet: Brown the butter before adding the onions — incredible flavor!
If you like Pumpkin, see more pumpkin inspired recipes here.
Please leave a review, and share this recipe with friends and family.
Enjoy!
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