This Pumpkin Pasta with Jarred Sauce is your new fall favorite—fast, comforting, and full of seasonal flavor with almost no effort. All you need is your favorite jarred pasta sauce and a can of pumpkin puree to whip up a velvety, cozy dinner in under 20 minutes.
I first made this on a chilly October evening when I needed something warm and hearty—but didn’t have time to cook from scratch. I stirred pumpkin into my go-to jar of Alfredo, tossed it with penne, and topped it with Parmesan. It was creamy, savory, and just a touch sweet from the pumpkin—total comfort food.
You can use Alfredo, tomato, or vodka sauce as the base—each brings out different sides of the pumpkin’s earthy richness. Add sautéed garlic, fresh sage, or spinach to take it up a notch, or keep it basic for a super-fast meal.
Whether you’re feeding a family or curling up with a bowl yourself, this pumpkin pasta is a no-fuss fall winner.
Pumpkin Pasta with Jarred Sauce – Cozy, Creamy & Weeknight-Ready
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve ¼ cup pasta water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Sauté garlic (if using) for 1 minute.
- Add jarred sauce and pumpkin puree. Stir until smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan and a splash of pasta water for desired consistency.
- Toss in cooked pasta and optional add-ins like spinach or sage.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.