This creamy pumpkin pasta is all about cozy fall flavors! You’ll need pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and a few warm spices mixed with rigatoni. Just cook the pasta, make the sauce, mix it all together, and bake. It’s a simple, homemade dish that looks fancy but is super easy to make!
Set your oven to 375 °F. While it’s warming up, cook the rigatoni following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, turmeric, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the rigatoni to the bowl and mix until all the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
To keep the pasta from getting mushy, cook it al dente so it stays firm when mixed with the pumpkin sauce.
When it comes to seasoning, start with the suggested amounts, but feel free to add a bit more salt, pepper, or nutmeg to really bring out the pumpkin’s flavor.
For a faster prep, you can make the sauce up to 4 days in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat it before combining with the pasta.
Serve immediately while the dish is warm and creamy—that’s when it tastes best!
Serve: While pumpkin pasta is delicious on its own, it’s even better with a simple salad, garlic bread, or warm dinner rolls. If you’re looking to make it a more filling meal, pair it with your favorite meat or veggie sides. Don’t forget a seasonal drink!.Store: This pasta is best enjoyed right away, but leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to a month. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the oven at medium heat with a touch of oil. If it’s frozen, be sure to thaw it first for the best results.