Go Back
Creamy Hearty Pumpkin Feta Pasta | 40-Min Cozy Warm Fall Family Dinner

Best Creamy Hearty Pumpkin Feta Pasta 40 Min Fall Dinner

Creamy hearty pumpkin feta pasta makes a cozy fall pasta family dinner ready in 40 minutes. Try this easy comfort food recipe today.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Easy Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)
  • 2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add pasta according to package directions. Cook until al dente, approximately 9-10 minutes, then drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup pasta water for sauce adjustments.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in vegetable broth and pumpkin puree, stirring constantly to combine smoothly. Add dried sage, thyme, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins simmering gently.
  4. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream, mixing until the sauce reaches silky consistency. The creamy hearty pumpkin feta pasta sauce should look glossy and luxurious at this stage.
  5. Gently fold in crumbled feta cheese, stirring carefully to distribute throughout without breaking up the pieces too much. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed, keeping the feta's natural saltiness in mind.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until reaching your preferred consistency.
  7. Transfer to serving bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and extra red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while steam still rises from the dish.