Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage

Featured in: Cozy Everyday Dinners

This dish blends whole wheat pasta with a smooth pumpkin sauce infused with fresh sage and hints of nutmeg. The sauce’s creaminess comes from Greek yogurt and almond milk, striking a balance between richness and lightness. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for holiday meals or anytime you want a nourishing, flavorful pasta that celebrates fall ingredients. Garnished with Parmesan and additional sage leaves, it offers layers of savory warmth in every bite.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:07:00 GMT
Vibrant photo of Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta, topped with fresh sage and Parmesan cheese. Pin
Vibrant photo of Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta, topped with fresh sage and Parmesan cheese. | orchardcrust.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 pasta quickly became a favorite in our family during the holiday season, bringing warmth and comfort to the table.

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.
Golden-hued Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta with creamy sauce, a beautiful and comforting dish. Pin
Golden-hued Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta with creamy sauce, a beautiful and comforting dish. | orchardcrust.com

This dish has brought us many joyful family dinners especially during the holiday season.

Required Tools

Large pot, Colander, Large skillet, Whisk, Chefs knife, Cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (Greek yogurt Parmesan) Contains gluten (pasta) Contains tree nuts if almond milk is used For allergies use gluten-free pasta dairy-free yogurt cheese and alternative milk

Nutritional Information

Calories 355 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 56 g Protein 15 g

A bowl of delicious Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta, perfect for a cozy, festive dinner. Pin
A bowl of delicious Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage Holiday Pasta, perfect for a cozy, festive dinner. | orchardcrust.com

This creamy pumpkin sage pasta is both nourishing and delicious ensuring a memorable meal every time.

Recipe Q&A

What kind of pasta is best for this dish?

Whole wheat fettuccine or spaghetti works well, providing a nutty flavor and hearty texture that complements the creamy pumpkin sauce.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt?

Yes, plant-based yogurt can be used for a dairy-free version without compromising creaminess.

How do I get the sauce creamy without heavy cream?

Greek yogurt and unsweetened almond milk combine to create a rich and creamy texture while keeping the sauce light.

Is fresh sage necessary for the flavor?

Fresh sage adds a distinct herbal aroma and flavor that truly elevates this dish; dried sage won’t provide the same freshness.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted Brussels sprouts complement the pumpkin sauce and add nutritional value.

Healthy Creamy Pumpkin Sage

Velvety pumpkin sauce with fresh sage enhances whole wheat pasta for a light, festive meal.

Prep time
15 min
Cook time
20 min
Overall time
35 min
Created by Ruby Hensley


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American/Italian Fusion

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian

What You 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
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

Steps

Step 01

Cook pasta: Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 02

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and chopped sage, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Simmer pumpkin sauce: Stir in pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, almond milk, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and slightly thickened.

Step 04

Incorporate yogurt and cheese: Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if necessary.

Step 05

Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Warm for 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 06

Serve and garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional fresh sage leaves and grated Parmesan cheese as desired.

Needed Tools

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

Allergen Warnings

Read ingredient labels to spot allergens. If unsure, consult your doctor or a specialist.
  • Contains dairy from Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese.
  • Contains gluten in pasta.
  • Contains tree nuts if almond milk is used.

Nutrition Details (for each serving)

These figures are intended for reference—not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 355
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 15 g