Looking for a cozy, creamy pasta dish that captures the flavors of fall?
This Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance.
With velvety pumpkin sauce, savory Parmesan, and crisped prosciutto, it’s a rich and satisfying recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Prosciutto
This pasta dish is a go-to for chilly nights, holiday dinners, or when you simply want a comforting bowl of something special.
Here’s why it’s worth adding to your fall dinner rotation:
- Quick and easy – ready in 30 minutes
- Loaded with fall flavor and a restaurant-quality feel
- Balanced creamy sauce with a salty, crispy bite from prosciutto
- A seasonal twist on classic fettuccine alfredo
- Easily customizable for dietary preferences
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these simple ingredients:
- Pasta – Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or any long pasta of your choice
- Pumpkin purée – Canned, not pumpkin pie filling
- Heavy cream – Or substitute half-and-half for a lighter version
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for best texture and flavor
- Prosciutto – Thin slices that crisp up beautifully in a hot skillet
- Garlic and onion – For aromatic depth
- Butter or olive oil – Used to sauté aromatics
- Nutmeg, sage, salt, and black pepper – To enhance the sauce
- Pasta water – Reserved to loosen the sauce if needed
How to Make Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Prosciutto (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Crisp the prosciutto
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the prosciutto slices in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until crispy and lightly golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Sauté the aromatics
In the same skillet, add a bit of butter or olive oil. Sauté minced garlic and finely chopped onion over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Make the pumpkin alfredo sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the pumpkin purée, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, nutmeg, sage, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the sauce thicken slightly.
5. Combine with pasta
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
6. Top and serve
Crumble the crispy prosciutto over the pasta and serve immediately. Add extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or sage, if desired.
Tips for the Creamiest Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese can lead to a grainy sauce.
- Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the sauce, as it can break or become too thick.
- Stir often: This ensures the sauce stays smooth and the cheese melts evenly.
- Balance flavors: Taste as you go—adjust salt, pepper, and nutmeg to suit your palate.
- Don’t skip the pasta water: It helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is versatile and easy to adjust:
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream, and a vegan cheese alternative.
- Gluten-free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Add vegetables: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted butternut squash.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Swap the protein: Use pancetta or bacon in place of prosciutto, or omit for a vegetarian version.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta
Pair this rich and creamy dish with lighter sides to balance out the meal:
- Garlic bread or a warm slice of rosemary focaccia
- Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or shaved fennel
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or squash
- A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Crisp prosciutto separately: If reheating, avoid microwaving the prosciutto. Instead, re-crisp in a dry pan.
- Not freezer-friendly: Due to the cream content, this dish doesn’t freeze well.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes. Roast and purée fresh pumpkin, but be sure to drain excess moisture for a smooth, thick sauce.
What other pasta shapes work well?
Tagliatelle, linguine, penne, or rigatoni all work. Choose one that holds sauce well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or long pasta of choice
- 4 oz prosciutto thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ small yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter option
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon dried sage or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Crisp the prosciutto
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the prosciutto slices in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until crispy and lightly golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Sauté the aromatics
- In the same skillet, add a bit of butter or olive oil. Sauté minced garlic and finely chopped onion over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Make the pumpkin alfredo sauce
- Lower the heat and stir in the pumpkin purée, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, nutmeg, sage, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the sauce thicken slightly.
Combine with pasta
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Top and serve
- Crumble the crispy prosciutto over the pasta and serve immediately. Add extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or sage, if desired.