Pumpkin Chicken Pasta is a creamy and comforting fall dinner made with tender chicken, pasta, pumpkin puree, garlic, Parmesan, and warm seasonings. It’s an easy way to bring seasonal pumpkin flavor into a hearty savory meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Pumpkin puree creates a naturally creamy sauce.
- Chicken adds protein and makes the pasta filling.
- Garlic, Parmesan, and herbs balance the sweetness of pumpkin.
- It comes together quickly for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Pumpkin Chicken Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Pumpkin Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds.
Stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, chicken broth, sage, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Add Parmesan and Pasta
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cooked pasta and chicken, tossing until everything is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
5. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Chicken Pasta
- Use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.
- Add pasta water gradually to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly.
- Add extra red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Chicken Pasta is a cozy fall dinner that combines creamy pumpkin sauce, tender chicken, and Parmesan for a rich and satisfying meal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight while still feeling special for autumn gatherings.
