Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage

Featured in: Warm Cozy Dinners

This dish combines whole wheat pasta with a rich, creamy sauce made from pumpkin puree, garlic, shallots, and fresh sage. Slow simmering with vegetable broth and almond milk creates a velvety texture, finished with Greek yogurt and Parmesan for a balanced flavor. The sauce gently coats the pasta, perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime a comforting yet healthy meal is desired. Variations include vegan adjustments and optional veggies for added nutrition.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:08:00 GMT
Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta, plated beautifully, with a swirl of rich, pumpkin sauce and fresh sage. Save to Pinterest
Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta, plated beautifully, with a swirl of rich, pumpkin sauce and fresh sage. | maplefrost.com

A comforting, festive pasta dish featuring a velvety pumpkin sauce infused with fresh sage, perfect for holiday gatherings. Lightened up for a healthy twist without sacrificing flavor.

This recipe has become a holiday staple in my family as it combines seasonal flavors with a creamy texture that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) whole wheat fettuccine or spaghetti
  • Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 small shallots finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 400 g (1 2/3 cups) canned pure pumpkin puree (unsweetened), 240 ml (1 cup) low-sodium vegetable broth, 120 ml (1/2 cup) unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk), 60 g (1/4 cup) Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat), 10 fresh sage leaves finely chopped, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • Garnish: Fresh sage leaves (optional), Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1:
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 2:
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for 2 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and chopped sage sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, almond milk, nutmeg, pepper, and salt. Simmer for 5 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed and slightly thickened.
Step 4:
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
Step 5:
Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Warm through for 1 2 minutes.
Step 6:
Serve in bowls, garnished with extra sage and Parmesan as desired.
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| maplefrost.com

This dish always brings my family together around the table, sharing stories and laughter over warm bowls of pasta.

Required Tools

Large pot, colander, large skillet, whisk, chefs knife, cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (Greek yogurt, Parmesan), gluten (pasta), and tree nuts if almond milk is used. Use gluten-free pasta, dairy-free yogurt/cheese, and alternative milk for allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 355, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 15 g per serving

A bowl of this Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta, garnished with Parmesan, looks absolutely divine and savory. Save to Pinterest
A bowl of this Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta, garnished with Parmesan, looks absolutely divine and savory. | maplefrost.com

This healthy creamy pumpkin sage pasta is the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition to elevate your holiday meals.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well; just adjust cooking time as per package instructions.

What’s the role of Greek yogurt in the sauce?

Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a subtle tang while keeping the sauce light and healthy.

Can I substitute fresh sage with dried sage?

Dried sage can be used but fresh sage provides a brighter, fresher aroma that enhances the sauce.

How do I make this dish vegan?

Replace Greek yogurt with plant-based alternatives and omit or use vegan Parmesan substitutes.

What are good additions to boost nutrition?

Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted Brussels sprouts for extra fiber and vitamins.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Reserve some pasta water and add it gradually to adjust sauce consistency while tossing the pasta.

Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage

Festive pasta featuring a creamy pumpkin sauce infused with fresh sage and lightened for health.

Prep time
15 minutes
Time to cook
20 minutes
Overall time
35 minutes
Created by Hannah Marlowe


Level Easy

Cuisine type American/Italian Fusion

Makes 4 Portions

Diet preferences Meat-free

What You’ll Need

Pasta

01 12 oz whole wheat fettuccine or spaghetti

Pumpkin Sage Sauce

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 2 small shallots, finely chopped
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 2/3 cups canned pure pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
05 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
06 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
07 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat)
08 10 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
09 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

01 Fresh sage leaves (optional)
02 Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 01

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 02

Sauté Shallots, Garlic, and Sage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Incorporate minced garlic and chopped sage leaves, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Simmer Pumpkin Sauce: Add pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, almond or low-fat milk, ground nutmeg, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture is warmed through and slightly thickened.

Step 04

Incorporate Yogurt and Parmesan: Reduce heat to low and whisk in Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by adding reserved pasta water as needed.

Step 05

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 06

Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh sage leaves and additional grated Parmesan according to preference.

Equipment you’ll need

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Be sure to review ingredient lists for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese.
  • Contains gluten from whole wheat pasta.
  • Contains tree nuts if almond milk is used.

Nutrition info (per portion)

All nutrition info is just for reference and can’t replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 355
  • Total fat: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 56 grams
  • Proteins: 15 grams