Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta with Pumpkin

Ready for a new fall dinner favorite? This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta with Pumpkin is the perfect comfort food for chilly fall evenings. This perfect fall meal combines savory Italian sausage, a surprisingly creamy pumpkin sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a cozy fall dinner that's both comforting and unique. If you're looking for a new sausage pasta recipe to add to your rotation, this is it!

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You might be thinking, "Pumpkin in pasta?" But trust me, it works! Just as we found in our Pumpkin Lamb Chili, pumpkin puree works wonderfully in savory dinner recipes. The pumpkin puree creates a velvety, rich sauce that isn't sweet at all. Instead, it adds a subtle earthy flavor and a beautiful golden color to this creamy sausage pasta that just screams autumn.

Why You'll Love This Italian Pork Sausage Pasta Recipe

This is the creamy Italian sausage pasta with spinach recipe you didn't know you needed, but now won't be able to live without! What makes this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta recipe so special? We love Italian dishes with sausage and this Italian sausage creamy pasta dinner is a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of the season without resorting to the usual pumpkin spice clichés.

Here’s why this will become your go-to fall dinner:

• It’s Quick and Easy: You can get this entire meal on the table in about 30 minutes. It's perfect for a busy weeknight when you're craving something hearty and homemade but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
• Unique and Delicious Flavor: The combination of spicy Italian sausage, creamy pumpkin, and warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon is absolutely divine. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable dish that will impress your family and friends.
• A Complete Meal in One Pan: With protein, carbs, and veggies all in one skillet, this creamy pasta and and sausage dish is a complete meal. The fresh spinach adds a nice touch of green and some extra nutrients, making it a well-rounded dinner.
• Perfect for Fall: Is there anything better than a warm bowl of pasta on a chilly evening? This dish captures all the cozy feelings of autumn and makes for an ideal comfort food dinner. It's one of those Italian sausage dinner recipes you'll make again and again.

This Italian sausage pasta with pumpkin recipe is incredibly versatile, too. You can adjust the spice level, swap out the pasta shape, or even add more vegetables. This Pumpkin Pasta Dinner is a forgiving recipe that’s easy to make your own!

Are you looking for more easy dinner recipes like our Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta with Pumpkin?

I love Italian recipes with sausage and pasta, they're just so easy to make and filling too. If you loved this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta with Pumpkin recipe, then you'll love our Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe too!

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

This Italian sausage and pasta recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. You'll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time!

Ingredients you'll need to make this creamy pasta and sausage dinner

• 1lb ground Italian sausage
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (roughly 2-3 cloves garlic)
• 1 can, 15 oz, pumpkin puree
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup half and half
• 1-½ cups chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 package, 12 oz, cavatappi pasta, cooked and drained according to package directions
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese

You can swap with almost any pasta and omit the spinach if you'd like, but I think it was delicious as-is! 

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Step-by-Step Directions for making this Itallian sausage pasta

Brown the Sausage: Add the ground Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic to a large skillet or large pot. Cook over medium heat, using a spoon to break apart the sausage as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft.

Make the Creamy Pumpkin Sauce: Stir in the pumpkin puree, sour cream, half and half, and chicken broth until well combined.

The sauce will turn a beautiful orange color with all of that delicious pumpkin puree!

Add the Spices: Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon. These warm spices are what make this savory pumpkin dinner recipe truly special.

Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-low heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Combine Everything: Stir in the cooked cavatappi pasta and fresh spinach.

Keep stirring until the spinach is wilted, which should only take a minute or two. The heat from the sauce will do all the work.

Serve and Enjoy: Top your creamy pasta with Italian sausage with a generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite!

This easy Fall Dinner with Pumpkin serves 6-8.

Tips for the Perfect Italian Sausage Pasta Recipes

Want to make this sausage pasta recipe dish even better? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your creamy Italian sausage pasta turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose Your Sausage Wisely: The type of Italian sausage you use will have a big impact on the final flavor. Hot Italian sausage will add a nice kick of spice, while mild Italian sausage will let the other flavors shine. You could even use sweet Italian sausage if you prefer.
• Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook your cavatappi pasta al dente (with a slight bite). It will continue to cook a little more when you add it to the hot sauce, so you don't want it to get mushy.
• Make it Extra Creamy: For an even richer sauce, you can substitute heavy cream for the half and half. It will make the dish more decadent, but oh so worth it! Or you can add a few tablespoons of cream cheese. 
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish. Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red bell peppers, or even some kale would be delicious additions.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Want to make this spicy italian sausage pasta creamy with a bit of heat? You can add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you'd like a bit of a kick. 
• Storing Leftovers: This pasta is just as good the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, you may want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.

I can't wait for you to try this amazing Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta. It's one of my favorite Italian recipes with sausage and pasta, and I know it will be a hit in your home too. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Your New Go-To Fall Meal

This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta recipe is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It’s the perfect way to welcome the cooler weather and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of the season. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company. Give this savory pumpkin dinner recipe a try, and I promise you'll be making it all season long.

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What are your favorite fall dinner recipes? Share them in the comments!