Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto
This creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto is the ultimate fall comfort food - rich, velvety pumpkin sauce meets savory Parmesan and crisped prosciutto for a dish that feels both cozy and elevated. It’s quick to make in just 30 minutes and perfect for a seasonal weeknight dinner or a fall-inspired gathering.With warm notes of nutmeg and sage and a hint of garlic, it’s an easy, satisfying pasta you’ll want to make all season long.
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.