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A fork holds a piece of pumpkin pasta garnished with cheese and fresh basil, with a plate of similar pasta in the background.

Quick and Easy Pumpkin Rigatoni

Author: Jessica Haggard
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!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Sides
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 454 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup cream cheese softened
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch ground black pepper
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 small handful basil leaves fresh, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 454kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 16gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 186mgPotassium: 316mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 6881IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 147mgIron: 2mg
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