Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Pasta: A Cozy Comfort Dish

The rich scents of creamy pumpkin chicken pasta waft through the air, inviting you to dive into a plateful of comforting goodness. Each twirl of pasta envelops tender chicken and a velvety pumpkin sauce that dances on your taste buds, creating a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.

Picture this: a chilly evening, you’ve just settled down after a long day, and your kitchen transforms into a haven filled with warmth and tantalizing aromas. This creamy pumpkin chicken pasta is not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners with friends.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were amazed at how quickly I pulled it together while juggling three other things.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 pieces for optimal tenderness; adjust based on servings needed.

• Pasta of Your Choice: Fettuccine or penne works well; choose your favorite for the best texture.

• Canned Pumpkin Puree: Look for 100% pure pumpkin for the richest flavor; avoid pie filling for this recipe.

• Heavy Cream: This adds luscious creaminess; half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.

• Fresh Sage: Using fresh herbs enhances the aroma and flavor profile beautifully.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh cheese melts better and adds depth; always opt for freshly grated when possible.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic amplifies the dish’s aromatic qualities; use as many as you love.

• Onion: A medium onion sautéed until translucent provides sweetness and depth to the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness; don’t skimp on quality here!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Pasta

Sautéing the Chicken and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown and cooked through. Add chopped onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and onions are translucent.

Creating the Sauce: Pour in canned pumpkin puree followed by heavy cream into the skillet. Stir vigorously until smooth, combining all flavors as they meld together beautifully with the heat.

Tossing in Seasonings: Sprinkle in fresh sage leaves along with grated Parmesan cheese, stirring everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.

Cooking the Pasta: While preparing the sauce, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain but reserve some pasta water to add creaminess if necessary.

Combining Everything: Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy pumpkin sauce mixture in your skillet. Add reserved pasta water little by little if you desire more sauce consistency. Toss until every strand is coated in that luscious sauce.

This creamy pumpkin chicken pasta will not only warm your stomach but also fill your heart with joy as you savor each delightful bite! Enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week or serve it up at your next gathering for an impressive meal that leaves everyone smiling!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfection, sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This multitasking approach saves time and ensures everything is hot and ready at once.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add spinach for an extra veggie boost. Experimenting with spices like nutmeg can also bring a unique twist to your creamy pumpkin chicken pasta.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.

Sometimes I make this dish when friends visit, and their smiles after one bite remind me of why I love cooking. It’s heartwarming when they ask for seconds!

FAQ

Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves you prep time.

What type of pasta is best for creamy pumpkin chicken pasta?

Fettuccine or penne are great choices, as they hold onto the sauce nicely.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply substitute chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas to create a satisfying vegetarian version.

Print

Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Creamy pumpkin chicken pasta is a warm and inviting dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious pumpkin sauce. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe offers a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. With easy preparation and comforting aromas, it’s an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 8 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne)
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet.
2. In the same skillet, add onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree and heavy cream; mix until smooth.
4. Add sage and Parmesan cheese; stir well to combine.
5. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
6. Fold cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider incorporating spinach or other vegetables. Swap chicken with turkey or chickpeas for variations. Experiment with spices like nutmeg for a unique flavor twist.