Pumpkin Chicken Pasta
This Pumpkin Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy pumpkin sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and nutmeg. It’s the perfect balance of cozy and savory — an easy 30-minute dinner that captures the warmth and comfort of fall in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Chicken:
- 8 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt to taste
- pepper to taste
For the Pumpkin Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup pumpkin purée 100% pure pumpkin
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ tsp ground sage or thyme
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup baby spinach for freshness
- ½ cup sautéed mushrooms for depth
- Red pepper flakes for a little heat
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Extra Parmesan
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Remove, let rest, and slice thinly.
Prepare the Pumpkin Sauce
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in pumpkin purée, chicken broth, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add Cream & Cheese
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Let the sauce thicken slightly, then add Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta & Chicken
- Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce. Toss gently to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
Serve & Garnish
- Divide pasta into bowls and top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and cracked pepper. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall!
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSodium: 480mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
