One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta is creamy and comforting! Cheese and pumpkin are the perfect pair in this delicious one pot meal!
This One Pot Cheesy Pasta is going to blow your mind! I know it’s the time of the year where EVERYTHING turns pumpkin…pumpkin spice cookies, pumpkin spice coffee, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin syrup, pumpkin tacos, and I’m not usually one to jump on the pumpkin train, because I don’t care for all the pumpkin craziness. When I do find something pumpkin-y that I like, it’s usually not ‘pumpkin spiced’, but rather real pumpkin.
I was making another One Pot Pasta dish with cream cheese and red pepper flakes, and I thought to myself, ‘why not throw in the extra pumpkin puree from the fridge?’ I thought maybe I was making a huge mistake, but boy was I wrong! This One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta turned out savory and super delicious. Try using my homemade pumpkin puree (so easy) for the best flavor possible!
Who doesn’t love a good one pot meal? You don’t end up with a bunch of dirty dishes, your dinner comes together in 20 minutes or less, and generally they are all fabulous. I really haven’t met a one pot meal that I didn’t absolutely love. We rotate my favorites, Spicy Thai Noodles, Jalapeno Pasta, and the Original Tomato Basil One Pot Wonder…YUM. They are all so different yet so delicious.
This One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta is the perfect blend of pumpkin, creaminess, and cheesiness. There is also a touch (very small touch) of heat which really just makes the dish pop. Whatever you do, don’t forget the salt here, because it also helps bring out the flavors.
It's easy to make this One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta, here's how:
**scroll down for full ingredients list and printable directions**
- Using a medium stock pot, add the pasta, garlic, onion, pumpkin puree, veggie broth, and the spices. Mix everything together, cover the pot, and bring it up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes while covered and stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is al dente, add the butter and cream cheese and stir to combine. It will be nice and creamy! Add some chopped parsley over the top and serve!
When to serve Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta:
- If you are looking for a seasonal side dish, or meal, make this One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta. It would be great served on Thanksgiving as a vegetarian side dish too.
- OH! And you know what else this would probably be equally delicious with? Instead of pumpkin puree, butternut squash. Oh yeah, total yum.
Side dishes to serve alongside this pumpkin pasta:
- Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus (2 ingredients)
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
- Simple Wedge Salad
- Air Fryer Roasted Carrots (easy side dish)
- Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
- Fluffy Homemade Biscuits
Like pumpkin dishes in the fall? Try these out as well:
- Pumpkin Pancakes (healthier with Greek yogurt)
- Instant Pot Pumpkin Butter (3 minute recipe)
- Pumpkin Coconut Curry Soup
- Skinny Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
- Chocolate Covered Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles
- 35+ Amazing Pumpkin Recipes
One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta is creamy and comforting! Cheese and pumpkin are the perfect pair in this delicious one pot meal!
- 12 ounces pasta noodles , such as elbows, farfalle, or penne (any type works)
- 1 small onion , diced
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 TBS butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese , room temperature and cut into cubes
- parsley for garnish
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In a stockpot or deep sided skillet, add noodles, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, pumpkin puree, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir to blend together, and put on the stove over medium/high heat. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Uncover, stir, cover, simmer for 2-4 more minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
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Add butter and cream cheese cubes, stir continuously until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
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Serve and top with parsley if desired. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe Video
Originally published in Oct. 2015, updated Oct. 2019 & Oct. 2021
Matteo Streppone
Made this today, used ricotta instead of cream cheese, mad it very silky. Also added about 1 tbs of nutmeg, and 2 tbs of pepper flakes. I’ve done 3 different pumpkin and pasta entrees and this was the best one so far.
Allyson
So happy you loved it! Sounds delicious with your additions!
Marissa
I am not usually a fan of savory pumpkin dishes, but this pasta was creamy and delicious! Thank you for this recipe.
Allyson
So happy you loved it!
Paula
Love this! Actually made it plant based. Used tofutti cream cheese & plant based “butter”. Also used gluten free chickpea pasta. Added nutritional yeast at the end too! I used your recipe for pumpkin purée earlier today. Thank you! This will be added to my favorites!
Allyson
Wow girl you are on a ROLL! I love your substitutions and to hear it still came out delicious! Cheers!
Karley Clayton
This is a favorite in our house! I recommend adding a bunch of Kale to it as well.
katerina @ diethood.com
My family would love this pasta dish! It looks incredibly delicious!
Kristyn
Oh, my!! Loving the pumpkin flavor in this pasta!! It is a new fall favorite of ours!! It's cheesy & kid-approved!
Krissy Allori
I was looking for a savory recipe to bring to a pumpkin party and was so glad to find this one. Everyone loved it!
Amanda
I love everything pumpkin, but, have never had it in pasta. I am very excited for this!
Beth
This is the perfect dish for a family meal! It's easy and the flavors are so fantastic. I can't wait to make this!
Erin
I need to try this One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta immediately, it looks so good!
Catalina
Love how cheesy and creamy this pasta is. The addition of pumpkin makes it irresistible!
katerina @ diethood.com
We made this last week and it was AMAZING!! Everyone loved it SO much! I can't wait to make it again and again!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
Such an incredible pasta dish! Perfect for fall!
Krystle
Such a unique and delicious comfort food. I hope to make t his a new fall tradition with my family.
Malissa
I am not really a cookaholic and hardly go to the kitchen. But after long long time, I made it for my husband. He said that it's so incredible. Yay! I am very happy. Thank you for sharing much!
Susan
So excited to make this dish tomorrow! What is 2 TBS butter?
Allyson
2 tablespoons
Casey
Wow, this was sooo delicious! I made this with 16 oz. whole wheat pasta instead of the 12 oz., and just added 1 extra cup of broth, more freshly ground nutmeg, and more pepper flakes (no need to add more butter or cream cheese). I did top with some parmesan and it melted in perfectly! Droolworthy! 🙂
Allyson
YUMMM!!! Sounds like some winning additions!!
Tracie
How much would you reduce the liquid if substituting something like cauliflower for the pasta?
Allyson
I haven't tried that so I really have no idea- sorry!
Lucia smith
One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta recipe is an easy to cook recipe but I wish to try it with pure cow ghee instead of using butter. Ghee is a better butter substitute, for high smoke point and nutritious than butter. I prefer using Milkio grass-fed ghee for all culinary purposes