September 26, 2024

Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Recipe – Dairy-Free and Perfect for Fall

Name: Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) fusilli or any pasta of choice; 1 cup pumpkin purée (canned or homemade); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk); 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor); 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter; 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness); 1 tsp dried sage (or fresh if available); 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for depth); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or sage leaves, for garnish

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As soon as fall comes around, this creamy vegan pumpkin pasta becomes a staple in my kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for me or a meal shared with friends, this pasta is always a hit. It’s my go-to dish during the pumpkin season, balancing rich, creamy flavors without relying on coconut milk. The smooth pumpkin purée paired with the savory notes of garlic, onions, and sage creates an irresistible sauce that coats each bite of pasta perfectly. It’s warming, comforting, and ideal for any fall gathering.

A bowl of creamy vegan pumpkin pasta garnished with sage leaves. Creamy vegan pumpkin pasta garnished with fresh sage

In this post, I’ll share not only the recipe but also my tips and tricks for making this pasta the best it can be, along with serving ideas, storage suggestions, and answers to some frequently asked questions. If you’re looking for a new autumnal favorite that’s plant-based and bursting with flavor, this is it!

Why You Will Love This Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta

Rich and Creamy Without Coconut Milk: Many vegan recipes use coconut milk for creaminess, but not everyone enjoys the taste. This recipe uses almond milk instead, making it lighter while still velvety smooth.

Perfect for Fall: Pumpkin is synonymous with fall, and this dish celebrates the season. The savory flavors of pumpkin paired with sage and garlic give it that classic autumn comfort food vibe.

Quick and Easy: Even though it tastes gourmet, this pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering with friends.

Nutritious: Pumpkin is loaded with fiber, vitamins A and C, and is naturally low in calories. Paired with whole grain pasta, this dish becomes a nutritious and filling meal.

Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use gluten-free pasta, switch up the herbs, or even add some roasted vegetables to make it your own.

Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for creamy vegan pumpkin pasta: fusilli, pumpkin puree, onion, garlic, lemon, sage, olive oil, and seasonings. Ingredients for creamy vegan pumpkin pasta laid out before cooking.

Let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this dish so special:

Pumpkin Purée: You can use canned pumpkin purée or make your own by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin. Just ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin without any added sugars or spices.
Fusilli (or other pasta): Fusilli is great for this recipe because its spirals hold onto the sauce well. However, any pasta shape you love will work. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are excellent choices if you want a healthier option.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk gives the sauce a creamy texture without overwhelming the pumpkin’s flavor. You can also use other plant-based milk like oat or cashew milk if you prefer.
Nutritional Yeast: This gives the sauce a subtle cheesy flavor without any dairy. It’s an essential ingredient in many vegan dishes and adds a savory depth to the sauce.
Sage: Sage is the perfect herb for pairing with pumpkin. It has a slightly earthy and peppery flavor that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin purée. Fresh sage works best, but dried sage will do if that’s all you have.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatics build the flavor base of the sauce. The sweetness of the onion and the pungency of the garlic make the sauce more complex and flavorful.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the sauce.
Olive Oil or Vegan Butter: Either one works well to sauté the onion and garlic and adds a bit of richness to the dish.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta

Don’t Skip the Nutritional Yeast: Even if you’re not familiar with nutritional yeast, trust me, it adds a cheesy, umami flavor that makes the sauce irresistible. Plus, it’s packed with B vitamins!

Season Well: Pumpkins are naturally sweet, so don’t be afraid to add enough salt to balance that sweetness. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh sage elevates this dish and gives it a gourmet feel. If you can’t find fresh, dried will work, but fresh herbs add a more vibrant flavor.

Blend for Extra Creaminess: For an ultra-smooth sauce, you can blend the sauce after it simmers. An immersion blender makes this super easy, or you can transfer the sauce to a blender. This step is optional but worth it if you want that restaurant-quality creaminess.

Add Roasted Veggies for Extra Texture: Want to add some texture to the dish? Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, or even crispy chickpeas make excellent additions.

Fusilli pasta coated in creamy pumpkin sauce in a pan. Fusilli pasta simmering in a creamy pumpkin sauce.

Vegan Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This creamy pumpkin pasta is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a few sides and toppings to create a more well-rounded meal.

Toppings:
- Crispy fried sage leaves (just quickly fry fresh sage in some olive oil).
- A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Side Dishes:
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pasta.
- Vegan garlic bread or a crusty loaf of sourdough bread for dipping into the sauce.
- Roasted autumn vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts to complement the flavors of the pasta.

Wine Pairing:
- A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy flavors of the pumpkin pasta.

Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Storing and Reheating

Storing: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so feel free to add a splash of almond milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess.

Freezing: The sauce can be frozen on its own for up to 2 months. When ready to use, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. You may need to add some extra plant milk to loosen it up.

Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a little almond milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin works wonderfully. Simply roast pumpkin chunks at 400°F until tender (about 30-40 minutes), then blend them into a smooth purée.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so no other adjustments are needed.

Can I use a different plant-based milk?
Sure! Oat milk, cashew milk, or soy milk would all work well. Just make sure the milk is unsweetened to avoid any unwanted sweetness in the sauce.

How do I make this pasta even creamier?
For extra creaminess, you can add a tablespoon of vegan cream cheese or cashew cream to the sauce. Blending the sauce, as mentioned earlier, also helps make it velvety smooth.

Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! You can add roasted chickpeas, sautéed tofu, or even some vegan sausage for an extra protein boost.

a plate of creamy vegan pumpkin pasta with sauce

Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Essential Equipment

To make this vegan pumpkin pasta, you’ll need a few kitchen tools to ensure the best results:

Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.

Skillet or Saucepan: To sauté the aromatics and cook the sauce.

Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce as it cooks.

Blender or Immersion Blender (optional): If you want an extra smooth sauce.

Ladle: To transfer the pasta to the sauce (if you’re not draining it).

This creamy vegan pumpkin pasta is a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again during the fall months. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with comforting flavors, and adaptable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual dinner or an autumn-themed gathering with friends, it’s sure to impress. The combination of pumpkin, garlic, sage, and nutritional yeast creates a perfectly balanced dish that feels indulgent without being heavy.

I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share your creation with me on Instagram. Don’t forget to check back for more fall-inspired recipes coming soon!