Name: Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic; 1/2 tsp chipotle powder; 1 15oz. can pumpkin purée; 1.5 cups chicken broth; 1/2 tsp salt; freshly cracked pepper; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan; 8 oz. pasta

Jump to Recipe·5 from 13 reviews

If you’re ready to cozy up with a skillet full of smoky, spicy, and creamy goodness, then this Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent and comforting but comes together in about 30 minutes. I promise, once you try this sauce—pumpkin, chipotle, creamy Parmesan—you’ll want to make it again and again, especially as the cooler months roll in.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The chipotle powder brings smoky heat that perfectly complements the naturally sweet pumpkin.
Simple Ingredients: Just pantry staples and a couple fresh items make for an easy yet satisfying meal.
Creamy Texture: Heavy cream and Parmesan melt into the sauce, giving it richness without overpowering.
Quick Comfort Food: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.

A round silver pan filled with one thick layer of penne pasta fully covered in rich orange pumpkin sauce mixed smoothly and evenly, sprinkled lightly with grated cheese and black pepper on top. A wooden spoon is placed inside the pan on the right side. The pan sits on a white and black zigzag patterned cloth, all on a white marbled surface. Two orange pumpkins are placed near the top left and bottom right corners of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta Recipe plays a vital role—nothing’s there by accident. These flavors and textures combine to create a sauce that’s smoky, smooth, and just the right amount of spicy. Here’s a rundown of the key ingredients and why they’re essential.

Yellow Onion: Adds a base sweetness and depth; cooking it until translucent brings out its natural sugars.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle fruity note and helps the onion cook evenly.
Garlic: Because garlic and pumpkin are magic together—adds aroma and mild pungency.
Chipotle Powder: The smoky heat star of the show; a little goes a long way to add warmth.
Pumpkin Purée: The creamy, velvety backbone of the sauce—use canned pumpkin, not pie filling for best results.
Chicken Broth: Adds umami and thins the sauce perfectly; I recommend using a rich, full-bodied broth.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning that brings everything alive—no shortcuts here.
Pasta: I use basic penne or rigatoni, but any pasta shape that holds sauce works wonderfully.
Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a luscious richness that helps balance the chipotle’s heat.
Grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish and a little gooeyness when stirred in hot.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta Recipe my own by adjusting the chipotle heat or swapping in cream alternatives. Cooking is all about making it work for you, so feel free to experiment!

Variation: Sometimes I add a handful of fresh spinach or kale right at the end for some greens. It adds a nice pop of color and nutrition without overpowering the sauce.
Spice Level: If you prefer milder dishes, reduce the chipotle powder to half or skip it altogether—you’ll still get the rich pumpkin flavor.
Dairy-free Option: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and leave out the Parmesan for a vegan-friendly twist. I’ve tried this, and it’s surprisingly creamy and delicious.
Protein Boost: Toss in cooked chicken or crispy bacon pieces for extra heartiness on busy nights.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics Till Perfectly Soft

First, I dice a yellow onion and mince a couple of garlic cloves. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic. Keep stirring as they cook until the onion turns soft and translucent—usually about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds the base flavor for our sauce. Don’t rush or turn up the heat too high; you want gentle cooking to bring out the sweetness without browning.

Step 2: Add the Smoky Chipotle Powder

Once your onions look tender, sprinkle about half a teaspoon of chipotle powder over them. Stir it in and let it cook for around a minute—just enough time for the smoky flavor to bloom. Be careful not to burn the powder; keep your heat moderate and stir frequently. This little step gives the sauce its signature smoky kick that makes it so special.

Step 3: Stir in Pumpkin Purée and Broth

Next, pour in the entire 15-ounce can of pumpkin purée, along with 1.5 cups of chicken broth. Add salt and plenty of freshly cracked pepper to taste. Stir everything together until smooth—the sauce should have a velvety texture at this point. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the sauce gently simmer for 15 minutes. This simmering thickens the sauce and melds all those flavors.

Step 4: Cook and Drain Pasta

While the sauce is simmering away, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. I always salt my pasta water generously because it adds flavor right to the core of the pasta. Once cooked to al dente, drain it in a colander but save a bit of pasta water if you like to loosen the sauce later.

Step 5: Bring It All Together with Cream and Parmesan

After simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream to add richness and soften the heat from the chipotle. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss it in the sauce so every piece is coated. Let everything warm together over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, sprinkle in a generous 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan and stir to combine. This finishing touch adds that wonderful salty tang we all crave.

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Pro Tips for Making Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

Use Good Broth: I use Better Than Bouillon for a rich, flavorful broth that really lifts the sauce’s depth.
Don’t Skip the Simmer: Giving the sauce 15 minutes to meld flavors is what transforms it from good to unforgettable.
Stay Gentle When Adding Chipotle: Too much heat can overpower, so start small—you can always add more next time if you want.
Save Pasta Water: Keep some reserved pasta water handy to loosen the sauce if it seems too thick once you combine everything.

How to Serve Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

A close-up view of a white pan filled with pasta in a thick, creamy orange sauce. The pasta is penne, mostly covered by the sauce but some pieces are visible on the surface, creating texture. A wooden spoon rests on the right side of the pan, partially submerged in the thick sauce. White powder, likely cheese, is being sprinkled from above onto the pasta, creating a light dusting mainly in the center. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnishes, I like to keep it simple but impactful. A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil adds just the right herbaceous note. Sometimes, I’ll toss on a few toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for crunch—it’s a fun nod to the pumpkin theme and adds texture. A dash more freshly cracked black pepper right before serving rounds it out beautifully.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, lightly dressed greens like an arugula salad or simple Caesar salad to cut through the richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic green beans on the side also bring a satisfying contrast. For a heartier meal, garlic bread or a rustic baguette are always reliable staples.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve plated this Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls and topped it with a swirl of extra cream and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. It impresses every time. Another idea is to serve it alongside roasted butternut squash cubes and a few crumbled toasted walnuts for an autumn-inspired feast that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so when reheating, I add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up and stir gently over low heat to revive that silky texture.

Freezing

I haven’t had the best results freezing this pasta due to the cream and sauce texture changing, but if you want to freeze, I recommend freezing the sauce and pasta separately. Thaw before combining and gently reheat on the stove for best results.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, toss your pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream. Warm it slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through and creamy again. Avoid microwaving straight from the fridge without loosening it first—it tends to dry out or get clumpy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?

Yes, you can! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin first. Keep in mind canned pumpkin purée is more concentrated and smooth, so fresh might be a bit chunkier and milder. You might need to cook your sauce slightly longer to get that perfect silky texture.
How spicy is this Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta Recipe?

The spice level is moderate, thanks to the chipotle powder. It brings smoky warmth rather than intense heat. You can adjust the amount based on your preference—start small and add more if you want more kick.
What pasta types work best?

I find short, tubular pastas like penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle hold the sauce beautifully. But feel free to experiment—spaghetti or fettuccine also pair nicely if you prefer long noodles.
Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative. It’s still delicious, with a slightly different but tasty flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta Recipe holds a cozy little spot in my recipe rotation because it’s quick, comforting, and wonderfully flavorful without fuss. I love sharing it with friends, especially when they’re surprised by how smoky and creamy the pumpkin can taste. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s so much more than just a pumpkin sauce. It’s a warm hug on a plate, ready in under 30 minutes.