Pumpkin Farfalle Pasta with Sage & Parmesan

When the weather cools down, I crave cozy pasta dishes that are creamy, comforting, and full of flavor — and this Pumpkin Farfalle Pasta with Sage & Parmesan checks every box. It’s a seasonal twist on a classic pasta dinner, blending earthy pumpkin with bright tomato, nutty Parmesan, and aromatic sage. The sauce clings perfectly to farfalle, making each bite velvety and satisfying.This recipe is simple enough for weeknights, yet elegant enough to serve for fall gatherings or a holiday side. And the best part? It comes together in just about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fall flavors: Pumpkin + sage + Parmesan = cozy seasonal comfort.

• Weeknight-friendly: On the table in just 30 minutes.

• Versatile: Add sausage, mushrooms, or spinach for more depth.

• Elevated but simple: The white wine option adds brightness, but it’s still cozy without.

Helpful Tips

• Reserve pasta water — it’s liquid gold for silky, clingy sauce.

• Fresh sage leaves (sautéed in the butter first) really make the flavors pop.

• Don’t over-reduce the sauce; keep it slightly loose since the pasta will absorb it.

• For dairy-free: sub Parmesan with nutritional yeast and cream with coconut milk.
  
  

Ingredients

• 12 oz farfalle pasta

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée

• 1 yellow onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

• ½ cup tomato sauce

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (+ more for topping)

• ½ cup milk or cream (optional for creaminess)

• ½ cup white wine (optional, see note)

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried sage (or 4–5 fresh leaves)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil/butter over medium. Sauté onion until soft and golden, ~6 min. Add garlic.

3. (Optional) Deglaze with white wine and simmer until reduced by half.

4. Stir in pumpkin purée, tomato sauce, sage, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen.

5. Stir in Parmesan and milk/cream if using. Simmer 2–3 min until creamy.

6. Toss pasta with sauce, adding more pasta water if needed.

7. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.

📌 White wine note: Adds brightness, but skip if you prefer the sauce extra cozy and earthy.