Pumpkin Feta Pasta: 5 Cozy Fall Flavors You’ll Crave

Name: Pumpkin Feta Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape); 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage (or 1 tablespoon dried sage); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), for garnish; 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richness); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup vegetable broth or reserved pasta water

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one dish that screams fall comfort, it’s Pumpkin Feta Pasta. Think about it: a creamy sauce that hugs every piece of pasta like your favorite blanket, with the cozy sweetness of pumpkin and the bold tang of feta cheese. It’s quick, it’s satisfying, and yes—it might just be the easiest way to impress your family (or your taste buds) on a busy weeknight.

This recipe is everything I love about cooking: simple steps, budget-friendly ingredients, and a final result that feels way fancier than the effort it took. And let’s be real—when life is full of school runs, meetings, and that eternal laundry pile, we deserve a dinner that basically makes itself while still tasting like we tried.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Pumpkin and pasta may not seem like the most obvious duo, but once you taste this pairing, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Here’s why this dish deserves a spot in your fall meal rotation:

Cozy & Creamy: The sauce is velvety and rich without being heavy. It’s like fall comfort in a bowl.
Flavor Explosion: Sweet pumpkin, salty feta, nutty Parmesan, and a touch of sage—it’s a balanced, crave-worthy combo.
Weeknight-Friendly: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, start to finish.
Customizable: Add chicken, roasted veggies, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You do you!
Kid (and Adult) Approved: The pumpkin gives a subtle sweetness that even picky eaters usually love.

I’ll admit it—this pasta has saved me on more than one “I have nothing planned for dinner” night. One time, I pulled it together with half a box of rigatoni and some random feta hiding in the fridge, and my kids thought I’d been secretly cooking all day. (Mom win!)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll want to grab before diving in:

1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage (or 1 tablespoon dried sage)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), for garnish
2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richness)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup vegetable broth or pasta water

How To Make Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Preparing the Pumpkin Feta Sauce

Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and golden (5–7 minutes). This step sets the flavor foundation—don’t rush it.
Add Garlic & Sage
Stir in garlic and sage, cooking just until fragrant. Pro tip: garlic burns faster than my patience during toddler meltdowns—keep an eye on it!
Incorporate Pumpkin Puree
Stir in pumpkin puree. Let it warm and mingle with the aromatics for 2–3 minutes.
Make It Creamy
Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
Season the Sauce
Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remember, feta is naturally salty, so taste as you go.
Simmer
Let the sauce gently bubble for 10–15 minutes. If it thickens too much, splash in a little broth or pasta water.

Cooking the Pasta

Boil the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (firm but tender).
Save the Gold
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water—liquid gold for silky sauces!
Drain & Set Aside

Bringing It All Together

Combine Pasta & Sauce
Toss the drained pasta with the pumpkin feta sauce until every piece is coated.
Add Feta
Stir in half of the crumbled feta, leaving some chunks for texture.
Optional Butter Boost
Drizzle melted butter over the pasta for extra richness. Totally optional, but highly recommended if you’re having “one of those days.”

Serving & Garnishing

Top with the remaining feta crumbles.
Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Add extra fresh sage for a pop of color and aroma.

Serve immediately, preferably in big bowls with crusty bread on the side for sauce-swiping.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Want it lighter? Swap the cream for half-and-half or whole milk.
Make it protein-packed: Add shredded chicken, crispy bacon, or even chickpeas.
Add veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, or spinach pair beautifully.
Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce.

Close-up of creamy Pumpkin Feta Pasta with spinach, crumbled feta, and crispy golden topping in a serving bowl. — This Pumpkin Feta Pasta is rich, creamy, and topped with crispy golden bits—an easy fall dinner that tastes like comfort in a bowl.

FAQs About Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Can I make Pumpkin Feta Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat and toss with fresh pasta when ready.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely—just roast and puree it first. But canned pumpkin is the faster (and equally delicious) route.

What pasta shape works best?

Short pastas like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but honestly, any pasta works. Use what’s in your pantry!

Can I make this vegetarian?

It already is! For vegan, swap the cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free feta substitute.

A Cozy Fall Dinner Worth Repeating

Pumpkin Feta Pasta isn’t just another seasonal dish—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, impressing dinner guests, or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers every single time.

So the next time you’re craving something quick, creamy, and cozy, grab that can of pumpkin and a block of feta. Dinner’s about to become your favorite part of the day.

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If this Pumpkin Feta Pasta hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to try a few more comfort-filled dishes from the blog. Here are some reader favorites to keep the cozy flavors going:

Warm up your fall evenings with this hearty Autumn Sausage Pasta with Squash—a seasonal dish that’s just as satisfying as it is colorful.
For a family-style dinner that feels like a hug, you can’t go wrong with Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew.
Craving something a little different but equally comforting? Try the creamy and flavorful Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken and Orzo.
And if you’re ready for dessert (because pasta nights should always end sweetly), treat yourself to this decadent Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake.

These recipes pair beautifully with the cozy vibes of fall and are guaranteed to make your meal planning easier (and a lot more delicious!).