Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Prosciutto: 5 Reasons to Indulge

Name: Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Prosciutto: 5 Reasons to Indulge
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 ounces prosciutto; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

octobre 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh, let me tell you about this creamy pumpkin Alfredo pasta with prosciutto—it’s truly a game-changer! Imagine twirling your fork around luscious, velvety pasta, all enveloped in a dreamy pumpkin sauce that’s as rich as it is comforting. The crispy prosciutto adds that perfect salty crunch that elevates the dish to a whole new level. I whip this up whenever I want to impress friends or just indulge myself on a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become your go-to autumn favorite!

pumpkin alfredo pasta with prosciutto - detail 1

Ingredients List

8 ounces of your favorite pasta (I love using fettuccine, but penne works great too!)
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned works just as well, or you can roast your own pumpkin for an extra touch!)
1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious creaminess that makes this dish so indulgent)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is a game changer for flavor)
4 ounces prosciutto (crispy, salty, and oh-so-delicious)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying that prosciutto to perfection)
Salt to taste (don’t forget to season your pasta water!)
Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is always best)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a nice depth of flavor)
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (this is the secret spice that brings out the pumpkin’s sweetness)

How to Prepare Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Prosciutto

Cooking the Pasta

First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss in 8 ounces of your favorite pasta. I usually go for fettuccine, but penne is a solid choice too. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it just right—trust me, it’ll soak up that creamy sauce better that way! Once done, drain the pasta but don’t rinse it; you want that starch to help the sauce stick later.

Preparing the Sauce

Now, let’s whip up that dreamy pumpkin Alfredo sauce! In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in those 4 ounces of prosciutto. Sauté it until it’s crispy and golden, then remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it heat through until it’s smooth and velvety—about 3-5 minutes. You’re going to love the aroma!

Combining Ingredients

Next, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the drained pasta into the pumpkin sauce and give it a good stir. Make sure every single piece of pasta is coated in that creamy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up a bit. This will help everything combine beautifully!

Serving Suggestions

To serve, plate up the pasta and top it with those crispy prosciutto pieces you set aside earlier. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for that extra flavor kick! You can even add a dash of freshly cracked pepper and a hint of nutmeg for garnish. Dig in and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this creamy pumpkin Alfredo pasta with prosciutto. Keep in mind these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea:

Calories: Approximately 600
Total Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 15g

So, there you have it! This dish is rich and indulgent, perfect for a special occasion or when you’re craving something comforting. Enjoy it wisely, and don’t forget to savor every creamy bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
Creamy, rich texture that’s utterly comforting and indulgent.
Flavorful combination of pumpkin and nutmeg that screams autumn.
Crispy prosciutto adds a delightful salty crunch to every bite.
Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
Versatile dish that can easily be adapted for dietary needs.
Leftovers taste amazing and can be reheated without losing flavor.

Tips for Success

Alright, my friends, let’s make sure you nail this creamy pumpkin Alfredo pasta with prosciutto! Here are my top tips for success that I’ve gathered from countless cozy nights in the kitchen:

Quality Ingredients Matter: Use the best quality prosciutto you can find—it’ll make a huge difference in flavor! Also, fresh Parmesan cheese will give you that rich, nutty taste that pre-grated just can’t match.
Don’t Skip the Salt: Make sure to season your pasta water generously! It’s the key to enhancing the pasta’s flavor. Trust me, nobody likes bland pasta!
Watch Your Sauce: When you’re heating the pumpkin Alfredo sauce, keep an eye on it and stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan. You want that beautiful, smooth consistency!
Nutmeg is Your Friend: Don’t be shy with the nutmeg! It complements the pumpkin beautifully, but remember, a little goes a long way. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and taste as you go!
Adjust Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water! It’s starchy and will help make everything creamy and luscious.
Keep It Warm: If you’re not ready to serve right away, keep the pasta and sauce on low heat, stirring occasionally. This will keep everything warm without overcooking!
Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of cracked pepper just before serving can elevate your dish visually and flavor-wise. It’s all about those finishing touches!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a delicious masterpiece that’ll wow anyone who’s lucky enough to share this meal with you. Happy cooking!

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

Let’s chat about the ingredients in this creamy pumpkin Alfredo pasta with prosciutto and some handy substitutions! I want to make sure you feel empowered to create this dish exactly how you like it.

Pasta: While I love fettuccine for its wide, flat shape that holds onto the sauce beautifully, feel free to swap it out for any pasta you have on hand. Penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta work wonderfully!
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is super convenient and works like a charm. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, roasting your own pumpkin brings a sweeter, more intense flavor. Just make sure to scoop out the flesh and puree it until smooth.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick and creamy. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute for a similar consistency.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a lovely depth of flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, pre-grated works too. For a dairy-free option, look for a plant-based Parmesan or nutritional yeast, which gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Prosciutto: If you’re not a fan of prosciutto or want to make it vegetarian, crispy bacon is a great alternative. You could also use sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for that savory touch without the meat.
Seasonings: The garlic powder and nutmeg add wonderful flavors, but don’t hesitate to experiment! Fresh garlic, thyme, or sage can be delightful additions. Just remember to adjust according to your taste preferences!

With these notes and substitutions, you can customize your creamy pumpkin Alfredo pasta with prosciutto to fit your dietary needs and taste buds perfectly. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—cooking is all about creativity and enjoyment!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I adore fettuccine for this creamy pumpkin Alfredo pasta with prosciutto, you can use any pasta you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free options all work beautifully. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by swapping out the prosciutto for crispy sautéed mushrooms or even roasted vegetables. You’ll still get that savory flavor without the meat. Plus, it’ll be just as delicious!

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but keep in mind the sauce may be less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute will still give you that creamy texture without the dairy.

How do I store leftovers?
To store your creamy pumpkin Alfredo pasta with prosciutto, simply place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened.

Can I freeze this dish?
I don’t recommend freezing it because the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed, affecting the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh! However, if you really want to store it, just make sure to freeze it without the prosciutto and add it before serving for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, so you’ve got some delicious leftovers of this creamy pumpkin Alfredo pasta with prosciutto. Here’s how to store and reheat them so they taste just as amazing the next day!

First, let your pasta cool down a bit before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help prevent condensation from forming, which can make the pasta soggy. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days—trust me, it’s just as comforting the next day!

When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just add your pasta to a pan over medium-low heat, and if the sauce has thickened a bit, don’t worry! Just splash in a little water or extra cream to loosen it up as you stir. Keep it moving until it’s warmed through and creamy again—about 5-7 minutes should do the trick.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just pop your pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This will help it heat evenly without drying out.

And remember, if you’ve got any crispy prosciutto left, it’s best to store it separately and add it on top just before serving to keep that delightful crunch intact. Enjoy your leftovers, because they’re still a treat!

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.