Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Recipe – Dairy-Free and Perfect for Fall
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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.
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
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.
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.
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!
Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta
This creamy vegan pumpkin pasta is the ultimate fall comfort dish, made without coconut milk. Rich, smooth, and packed with flavor, it's easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends.
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
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil or vegan butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the pumpkin purée, almond milk, nutritional yeast, dried sage, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- If you want a super smooth sauce, you can blend the sauce at this stage using an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Add the lemon juice to the sauce for brightness and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until everything is well-coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or sage leaves. You can also sprinkle extra nutritional yeast for added cheesy flavor.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting vegan pumpkin pasta!
Notes
- Blend the sauce for extra smoothness: Use a blender or immersion blender to create an ultra-creamy texture that coats every piece of pasta.
- Don’t skip the nutritional yeast: It adds a cheesy, savory depth that makes the sauce irresistible without any dairy.
- Add a splash of lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the sauce.
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PASTA RECIPES:
- Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
- Vegan Pasta alla Norma
- Vegan Lentil Blognese
- Authentic Penne all Arrabbiata
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Spinach
