Save to Pinterest Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Penne brings together the silky richness of a pumpkin-Parmesan sauce with tender roasted chicken and crunchy toasted walnuts for a pasta dish that is pure autumn comfort. This cozy recipe is perfect when you want a hearty meal that still feels a little elegant. With deeply savory flavors and a touch of fresh sage, it is the bowl I look forward to making every time the days get crisp and the markets fill with pumpkins.
I started making this when my family wanted something new after a long day apple-picking. That luxurious sauce won us over at first bite and now every fall we crave this pasta at least once a week.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta: Choose a sturdy delicious shape like penne so the creamy sauce can nestle inside each tube Look for bronze cut pasta for the best texture
- Cooked roasted chicken: Leftover chicken or rotisserie makes this quick but feel free to roast your own for even richer taste Choose well seasoned chicken so your pasta is flavorful
- Butter: For that luscious base always use real butter for best flavor Unsalted lets you control the saltiness
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds that essential aromatic punch Look for plump unblemished cloves
- Pumpkin purée: Go for pure unsweetened pumpkin not pie filling Canned is easy but fresh roasted pumpkin works too if you have the time
- Heavy cream: The secret to that ultra creamy result Use full fat for richness and body
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is ideal as it melds in best into the sauce Choose Parmigiano Reggiano if possible for the nuttiest taste
- Fresh sage: Bright herbal note that screams fall Fresh adds more intensity but dried sage works in a pinch
- Salt and pepper: Proper seasoning brings out all the flavors Use kosher salt and grind your own black pepper for the best flavor burst
- Toasted walnuts: Crunchy and nutty they add such a welcome contrast Toast just until fragrant so they do not burn
- Extra Parmesan and sage leaves: For a beautiful finish and added aroma Always worth that final flourish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil penne in a generous amount of salted water for about ten minutes until al dente The salted water infuses the pasta with flavor Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining as it helps loosen the sauce later
- Sauté Aromatics and Build the Sauce:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat Add minced garlic and cook gently for one or two minutes until very fragrant but not brown This develops a flavorful base for the sauce
- Simmer Pumpkin and Cream:
- Stir in the pumpkin purée and heavy cream Reduce heat to medium low Simmer for about three minutes whisking until the sauce is silky and evenly combined
- Add Cheese and Sage:
- Add grated Parmesan and chopped sage to the pan Whisk until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes completely smooth Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Combine with Pasta and Chicken:
- Add drained pasta and cooked shredded or cubed chicken to the skillet Toss well so every bite is coated in the creamy pumpkin sauce Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the mixture seems too thick
- Top and Serve:
- Spoon into bowls while piping hot Sprinkle with toasted walnuts additional Parmesan and extra sage leaves for a pop of color and aroma Serve right away and enjoy every creamy forkful
Save to Pinterest Walnuts bring such an amazing earthy crunch to this creamy dish I remember the first time my youngest son discovered he loved toasted nuts thanks to this pasta It has become a small tradition to let the kids sprinkle on their own garnishes just before we eat
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat stirring often and adding a splash of milk or cream if needed Avoid microwaving for too long which can cause the sauce to separate
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use any short pasta shape you love Try fusilli or rigatoni if penne is not available Swap the chicken for roasted turkey or keep it vegetarian by using sautéed mushrooms or spinach For a dairy free version try coconut cream and nutritional yeast plus a vegan Parmesan
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and perhaps some warm bread for soaking up extra sauce This dish is also perfect on its own for a comforting lunch or dinner during chilly evenings
Cultural Notes and Autumn Inspiration
Pumpkin based pasta sauces have roots in Italian cucina povera where cooks use abundant fresh produce and transform it with a bit of cheese or herbs Sage and toasted walnuts are a classic pairing echoing the flavors of the harvest season Pumpkin traditionally symbolizes warmth hospitality and the comforts of home for many families
Seasonal Adaptations
Use butternut squash purée when pumpkin is not in season Try fresh marjoram or thyme for a little twist on the sage Sprinkle a few pomegranate seeds on top for color in late fall
Success Stories
Many friends have asked me for this recipe after tasting it at our Halloween dinner party One friend even reported she made it three times in a single week because her husband could not get enough I always love to hear when a simple dish turns into someone’s new tradition
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze make and cool the sauce separately and freeze in a zip top bag The cooked pasta and chicken can also be frozen if kept separate Thaw both overnight in the refrigerator then heat together and add a splash of cream to refresh before serving
Save to Pinterest This creamy pumpkin pasta is true cold weather comfort food with a touch of elegance. Make it once and it just might become a fall favorite in your kitchen too.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes, cooked rotisserie chicken is ideal for saving time and adding flavor to this dish.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite vegetables.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Penne is recommended, but rigatoni or fusilli also hold the creamy sauce well.
- → Can I prepare the pumpkin cream sauce in advance?
Yes, make the sauce a day ahead and reheat gently, adjusting with a splash of cream if needed.
- → Do I need fresh sage for this?
Fresh sage delivers optimal flavor, but dried sage may be used in smaller quantities.
- → How do I avoid a grainy sauce?
Ensure the Parmesan is finely grated and the sauce is gently heated while stirring to keep it smooth.