Looking for a cozy and flavorful weeknight meal that screams fall?
Look no further than this Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Sauce!
It’s packed with warming spices and creamy goodness, making it the perfect comfort food for chillier nights.
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up – you can have this delicious dish on the table in about 20 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fall Flavors in a Savory Twist: We all adore pumpkin desserts, but sometimes you crave something savory. This pumpkin pasta sauce is the answer!
- Weeknight Dinner Hero: Short on time? No worries! This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Leftover Friendly: Got leftover pumpkin puree from baking? Use it up in this delicious sauce!
Ingredients (and Substitutions)
Here’s what you’ll need to create this magical pumpkin pasta dish:
- Pumpkin Power: Make sure you use pumpkin puree, which is simply plain, unsweetened pumpkin. Don’t be fooled by pumpkin pie filling – that’s a whole different story! If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can substitute with butternut squash puree or even mashed sweet potatoes.
- Creamy Coconut: Full-fat coconut milk adds a beautiful creaminess to the sauce and doesn’t overpower it with a coconut flavor. You can use coconut cream instead, but keep in mind you might need more reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. If you’re not vegan, feel free to use heavy cream, but the sauce will no longer be vegan.
- Pasta Perfection: Short noodles pair best with this sauce. I used orecchiette, but any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini will work great.
Bringing it all Together: Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is so easy, you’ll be surprised at how delicious the results are!
1. Cook the Pasta
Get a pot of salted water boiling and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve 1 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining!
2. Sautéing the Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and melt some vegan butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and let it cook for a minute, releasing its fragrant goodness.
3. Pumpkin Time!
Now comes the fun part – pumpkin puree! Add it to the skillet along with your favorite fall spices and mix everything together.
4. Creamy Coconut Comfort
Pour in the coconut milk and whisk it all together until well combined.
5. Simmering to Perfection
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and whisk occasionally. If the sauce gets too thick, don’t panic! Just add some of that reserved pasta water, a ¼ cup at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
6. Pasta Paradise
Once the sauce is perfect, turn off the heat and pour it over your drained pasta. Give it a good toss to coat everything evenly.
7. Serving Suggestions
Top your creamy pumpkin pasta with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and some freshly ground black pepper. Dive in and enjoy!
With its warm, comforting flavors and creamy texture, this Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is sure to become a fall favorite.
It’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and a great way to use up any leftover pumpkin puree.
So, grab your favorite fall mug, put on some cozy clothes, and get ready to fall in love with this delicious dish!