Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Chicken Pasta is rich, cozy, and bursting with seasonal flavor. Tender chicken and pumpkin puree blend into a luscious sauce over perfect fettuccine.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta the perfect pasta shape to hold onto the sauce
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing the chicken and garlic
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup pumpkin puree the star ingredient for creaminess and subtle sweetness
- 1 cup heavy cream makes the sauce rich and luscious
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese brings salty, nutty depth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning a blend of herbs to enhance the flavor profile
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the pumpkin puree and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the creamy pumpkin Alfredo sauce. Warm everything through for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately, perhaps alongside your favorite garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk or water.
- Substitute dairy-free or gluten-free ingredients to accommodate dietary needs.
- Add extra veggies or swap pasta shapes for variety and added texture.
