Pasta with Pumpkin Pesto
Transform your pasta night into an autumnal feast with this irresistible Pasta with Pumpkin Pesto recipe! Featuring a rich, velvety pumpkin purée blended with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, roasted pumpkin seeds, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice, this unique sauce is a seasonal twist on classic pesto. Perfectly tossed with your favorite pasta and finished with a drizzle of olive oil and optional red pepper flakes, every bite is packed with creamy, nutty, and savory goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Garnish with extra Parmesan or toasted pumpkin seeds for a gourmet presentation that’s sure to impress. Wholesome, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, this pumpkin pesto pasta is sure to brighten up your fall menu! Keywords: pumpkin pesto pasta, easy fall recipe, creamy pesto sauce, seasonal pasta dish.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or linguine)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
- 0.25 teaspoon optional red pepper flakes
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2
In a food processor, combine the pumpkin puree, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, pumpkin seeds, garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 3
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, if desired.
Step 4
Transfer the drained pasta back into the pot. Add the pumpkin pesto and toss it with the pasta to coat evenly.
Step 5
Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 6
Heat the pasta over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until warmed through.
Step 7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or toasted pumpkin seeds, if you like.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (871.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1494.0 |
| Total Fat 91.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 21.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g | |
| Cholesterol 44.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1905.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 136.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 12.0g | |
| Protein 46.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 580.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 975.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories