Make the most of pumpkin season with this Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta. This dish encapsulates the warmth of fall in a bowl, offering a creamy and flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this one-pot recipe is simple yet impressive.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just one pot needed, cleanup is a breeze, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Combination: The sweet roasted pumpkin and savory garlic create a rich, comforting sauce thatβs hard to resist.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with different pasta shapes or add proteins like chicken or turkey to customize it to your taste.
- Seasonal Delight: Celebrate fall flavors with ingredients that are fresh and vibrant during the pumpkin season.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials youβll need to whip up this delicious pasta.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Oven-proof dish
- Pot (stove top safe)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Oven-proof dish: Ideal for roasting the pumpkin and garlic evenly, ensuring maximum flavor.
- Pot (stove top safe): A must-have for combining all ingredients and cooking them together seamlessly.
Ingredients
To create this delightful Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta, youβll need the following ingredients:
For the Sauce
- 500 g pumpkin (3 cups, diced into medium-sized pieces)
- 2 garlic bulbs
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1/2 cup white apple vinegar
For the Pasta
- 2 cups small pasta
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
For Serving
- 50 g parmesan (grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius / 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic and Pumpkin
- Cut the top off each garlic bulb roughly 2cm down from the top so the cloves are exposed.
- Place the garlic, pumpkin, and rosemary into an oven-proof dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the pumpkin is soft and slightly caramelized. Allow the garlic to cool before squeezing out the cloves. Remove rosemary leaves from stems.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients on the Stovetop
- Transfer roasted garlic, pumpkin, and rosemary leaves into a stove-top safe pot.
- Add chicken stock, white apple vinegar, and pasta on high heat; bring everything to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium to maintain a slight boil for about 15 minutes or until pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Add more chicken stock if necessary.
Step 4: Serve Your Dish
Remove from heat, stir in grated parmesan cheese, then serve immediately topped with an extra sprinkle of cheese.
This Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta will surely warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds! Enjoy it at any gathering or as a cozy meal at home.
How to Serve Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta
This Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta is a comforting dish that brings the flavors of autumn to your table. It can be served in various ways to enhance its deliciousness and suit your meal preferences.
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil β Top your pasta with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, herbaceous twist.
- Parsley β Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch and vibrant color to your dish.
As a Main Course
- Stand-Alone Dish β Enjoy it as the star of your dinner, accompanied by grated cheese for extra richness.
- With Protein β Pair it with grilled chicken or turkey for added heartiness and protein.
Accompanied by Bread
- Garlic Bread β Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping, complementing the flavors of the pasta.
- Crusty Bread β A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
With Seasonal Salads
- Mixed Green Salad β A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Beet Salad β Pair it with roasted beet salad for an earthy flavor contrast that enhances the pumpkin.
How to Perfect Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta
To make this dish truly shine, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold seasoning β Donβt be shy with salt and pepper; they enhance all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Creamy texture β For an extra creamy sauce, consider adding a splash of plant-based cream before serving.
- Pasta choice β Use small pasta shapes like shells or elbows that hold onto the sauce better.
- Add greens β Stir in some spinach or kale during cooking for added nutrition and color.
- Garnish wisely β Finish with additional grated cheese on top just before serving for a gourmet touch.
Best Side Dishes for Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta
Complement your Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta with these delightful side dishes that enhance the meal experience.
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables β Mixed seasonal vegetables roasted in olive oil add flavor and nutrition.
- Caprese Salad β Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the pastaβs richness.
- Bruschetta β Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, onion, and herbs makes a great starter.
- Steamed Asparagus β Lightly steamed asparagus adds a crisp texture that pairs well with the creamy pasta.
- Lentil Soup β A warm lentil soup provides warmth and complements the flavors beautifully.
- Grilled Zucchini β Grilled zucchini slices bring out smoky flavors that balance the sweetness of pumpkin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta, itβs easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the pumpkin: This can lead to mushy texture. Roast the pumpkin until soft but still holds its shape.
- Ignoring garlic preparation: Not cutting off the top of the garlic bulb may result in burnt cloves. Always trim it to expose the garlic before roasting.
- Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can lead to bland pasta. Use a generous amount of salt and pepper for flavor.
- Skipping the cheese: Parmesan adds creaminess and depth. Donβt forget to mix it in at the end for added richness.
- Using too little stock: Insufficient liquid can result in dry pasta. Ensure you have enough chicken or vegetable stock for absorption.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for best flavor and quality.
Freezing Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta
- Allow to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 2-3 months.
Reheating Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 180Β°C (350Β°F), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) on medium power, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta:
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite small pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
What can I serve with Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta?
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well in both the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.
How can I customize this Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta?
You can add spinach, kale, or even chickpeas for extra protein and nutrients!
Final Thoughts
Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta is a delightful dish that captures the essence of fall with its rich flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, making it an ideal choice for any weeknight dinner. Give this recipe a try β itβs sure to become a favorite!

Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Pasta is a delightful dish that captures the essence of autumn with its creamy, flavorful sauce. This one-pot recipe combines the sweetness of roasted pumpkin with the savory punch of garlic, creating a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With minimal cleanup and customizable ingredients, itβs sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with freshly grated cheese and your choice of protein for an even heartier dish. Enjoy this seasonal delight that celebrates the warmth and flavors of fall in every bite!
Ingredients
- 500 g pumpkin (diced)
- 2 garlic bulbs
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup white apple vinegar
- 2 cups small pasta
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Cut off the tops of the garlic bulbs to expose the cloves, then place garlic, diced pumpkin, and rosemary in an oven-proof dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 45 minutes until the pumpkin is soft.
- In a stove-top safe pot, combine roasted pumpkin, garlic, rosemary leaves, chicken stock, white apple vinegar, and pasta on high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat for about 15 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Autumn-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added creaminess, consider incorporating a splash of plant-based cream. Feel free to mix in greens like spinach or kale during cooking for extra nutrition. Use any small pasta shape you prefer; shells or elbows work particularly well.