Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Featured in: Seasonal Favorites

This festive pasta highlights a velvety pumpkin sauce infused with fresh sage, offering a creamy yet light twist. Whole wheat pasta pairs with a silky blend of pumpkin puree, almond milk, and Greek yogurt, seasoned with nutmeg and pepper. The sauce is gently simmered and finished with Parmesan for depth. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it balances comforting flavors with a wholesome profile, easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:00:00 GMT
Creamy Healthy Pumpkin Sage Pasta topped with fresh sage, ready for a warm holiday dinner. Save
Creamy Healthy Pumpkin Sage Pasta topped with fresh sage, ready for a warm holiday dinner. | tazzsip.com

A comforting, festive pasta dish featuring a velvety pumpkin sauce infused with fresh sage, perfect for holiday gatherings. Lightened up for a healthy twist without sacrificing flavor.

This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family because it balances indulgence and nutrition perfectly.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) whole wheat fettuccine or spaghetti
  • Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 small shallots finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 400 g (1 2/3 cups) canned pure pumpkin puree (unsweetened), 240 ml (1 cup) low-sodium vegetable broth, 120 ml (1/2 cup) unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk), 60 g (1/4 cup) Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat), 10 fresh sage leaves finely chopped, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • Garnish: Fresh sage leaves optional, Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1:
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 2:
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for 2 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and chopped sage sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in pumpkin puree vegetable broth almond milk nutmeg pepper and salt. Simmer for 5 7 minutes stirring occasionally until warmed and slightly thickened.
Step 4:
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy. If sauce is too thick add reserved pasta water as needed.
Step 5:
Add cooked pasta to the sauce tossing to coat evenly. Warm through for 1 2 minutes.
Step 6:
Serve in bowls garnished with extra sage and Parmesan as desired.
A bowl of savory Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta, rich with pumpkin and fresh herbs. Save
A bowl of savory Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta, rich with pumpkin and fresh herbs. | tazzsip.com

This pasta always brings my family together around the table during the holidays.

Required Tools

Large pot Colander Large skillet Whisk Chefs knife Cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains dairy Greek yogurt Parmesan Contains gluten pasta Contains tree nuts if almond milk is used For allergies use gluten-free pasta dairy-free yogurt cheese and alternative milk

Nutritional Information

Calories 355 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 56 g Protein 15 g per serving

Vibrant orange Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta, a cozy autumn dish with Parmesan cheese. Save
Vibrant orange Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta, a cozy autumn dish with Parmesan cheese. | tazzsip.com

This pumpkin sage pasta is a delicious way to enjoy healthy comfort food during the holidays.

Recipe Guide

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Whole wheat fettuccine or spaghetti are ideal, providing a hearty texture that complements the creamy pumpkin sauce.

Can the Parmesan cheese be substituted?

Yes, for a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

How is the sauce made creamy without cream?

A combination of Greek yogurt and almond milk creates a smooth, creamy consistency while keeping the dish light.

What herbs enhance the flavor of this dish?

Fresh sage is essential, adding an earthy, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, it uses no meat and relies on dairy and plant-based ingredients to build flavor.

Can additional vegetables be added?

Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted Brussels sprouts are excellent additions for extra nutrition and texture.

Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

A festive pasta with creamy pumpkin sauce and sage, light and flavorful for holiday meals.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat duration
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Daniel Brooks

Classification Seasonal Favorites

Complexity Easy

Heritage American/Italian Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free

Components

Pasta

01 12 oz whole wheat fettuccine or spaghetti

Pumpkin Sage Sauce

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 2 small shallots, finely chopped
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 2/3 cups canned pure pumpkin puree, unsweetened
05 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
06 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
07 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2% or nonfat
08 10 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
09 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

01 Fresh sage leaves, optional
02 Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Method

Phase 01

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Phase 02

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shallots 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sage; sauté 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Simmer Sauce: Combine pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, almond milk, nutmeg, pepper, and salt. Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Phase 04

Incorporate Dairy: Reduce heat to low; whisk in Greek yogurt and Parmesan until sauce is creamy and smooth. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

Phase 05

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained pasta to sauce and toss gently to coat. Warm for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Phase 06

Serve: Divide into bowls and garnish with extra sage leaves and Parmesan cheese as preferred.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (Greek yogurt, Parmesan).
  • Contains gluten (pasta).
  • Contains tree nuts (almond milk).
  • For allergies, use gluten-free pasta, dairy-free alternatives, and substitute almond milk.

Dietary information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 355
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 15 g