Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta

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This comforting dish blends whole wheat pasta with a smooth pumpkin sauce enriched by fresh sage and a hint of nutmeg. The sauce combines Greek yogurt and Parmesan for creamy texture without heaviness. Light almond milk and vegetable broth add depth and healthful moisture. Quick to prepare and perfect for holiday meals, it provides a vegetarian option packed with warm, earthy flavors and balanced nutrition.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:25:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta, garnished with fresh herbs and cheese. Save
A steaming bowl of Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta, garnished with fresh herbs and cheese. | tastyeffect.com

A comforting, festive pasta dish featuring a velvety pumpkin sauce infused with fresh sage, perfect for holiday gatherings. Lightened up for a healthy twist without sacrificing flavor.

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This dish quickly became a holiday favorite in my family thanks to its comforting flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) whole wheat fettuccine or spaghetti
  • Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 small shallots finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 400 g (1 2/3 cups) canned pure pumpkin puree (unsweetened), 240 ml (1 cup) low-sodium vegetable broth, 120 ml (1/2 cup) unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk), 60 g (1/4 cup) Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat), 10 fresh sage leaves finely chopped, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • Garnish: Fresh sage leaves (optional), Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

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Step 1:
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 2:
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for 23 minutes until softened. Add garlic and chopped sage sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in pumpkin puree vegetable broth almond milk nutmeg pepper and salt. Simmer for 57 minutes stirring occasionally until warmed and slightly thickened.
Step 4:
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy. If sauce is too thick add reserved pasta water as needed.
Step 5:
Add cooked pasta to the sauce tossing to coat evenly. Warm through for 12 minutes.
Step 6:
Serve in bowls garnished with extra sage and Parmesan as desired.
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Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.
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Product image
Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.
Check price on Amazon
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| tastyeffect.com

Sharing this pasta at holiday dinners always brings my family closer as we enjoy the warm flavors and festive vibes.

Required Tools

Large pot, Colander, Large skillet, Whisk, Chefs knife, Cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (Greek yogurt Parmesan). Contains gluten (pasta). Contains tree nuts if almond milk is used. For allergies use gluten-free pasta dairy-free yogurt cheese and alternative milk.

Nutritional Information

Calories 355, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 56 g, Protein 15 g per serving.

Vibrant orange Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta with creamy sauce, ready to be enjoyed. Save
Vibrant orange Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta with creamy sauce, ready to be enjoyed. | tastyeffect.com
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This creamy pumpkin sage pasta is sure to become a new holiday staple with its rich taste and wholesome ingredients.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, whole wheat fettuccine or spaghetti work well, but you can substitute with gluten-free or legume-based pasta for added fiber and protein.

How do I make the sauce creamy without heavy cream?

The sauce gains its creaminess from Greek yogurt combined with Parmesan, plus almond milk adds smoothness without excess fat.

Is it possible to make this vegan?

Yes, replace Greek yogurt and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives and skip Parmesan garnish for a vegan-friendly version.

What is the role of fresh sage in this dish?

Fresh sage adds an aromatic earthiness that complements the sweetness of pumpkin, enhancing the overall flavor balance.

Can I add vegetables for extra nutrition?

Absolutely, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted Brussels sprouts are excellent additions to boost both flavor and nutrients.

How do I prevent the sauce from thickening too much?

If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta

A festive pasta featuring velvety pumpkin sauce, fresh sage, and a healthy twist for hearty enjoyment.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Jane Miller


Skill level Easy

Heritage American/Italian Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

Components

Pasta

01 12 oz whole wheat fettuccine or spaghetti

Pumpkin Sage Sauce

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 2 small shallots, finely chopped
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 2/3 cups canned pure pumpkin puree, unsweetened
05 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
06 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
07 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2% or nonfat
08 10 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
09 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Garnish

01 Fresh sage leaves, optional
02 Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Phase 01

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water following package directions until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Phase 02

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook shallots for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and chopped sage, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Prepare Pumpkin Sauce: Incorporate pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, almond milk, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt into skillet; simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through and slightly thickened.

Phase 04

Finish Sauce: Lower the heat and whisk in Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy; add reserved pasta water if sauce needs thinning.

Phase 05

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring even coating, and gently warm for another 1 to 2 minutes.

Phase 06

Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional sage leaves and grated Parmesan as desired.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from Greek yogurt and Parmesan.
  • Contains gluten due to pasta.
  • Contains tree nuts if using almond milk.
  • For allergen-free adaptations, use gluten-free pasta, dairy-free yogurt and cheese alternatives, and substitute milk accordingly.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 355
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 15 g