Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto
A comforting fall dish featuring creamy pumpkin Alfredo sauce paired with crispy prosciutto.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz fettuccine or long pasta of choice
- 4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then drain and set aside.
- Crisp the prosciutto: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the prosciutto slices in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and lightly golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the butter or olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and finely chopped onion over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the pumpkin Alfredo sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the pumpkin purée, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, ground nutmeg, sage, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Combine with pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Top and serve: Crumble the crispy prosciutto over the pasta and serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For the best flavor, use quality ingredients. Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed. Omit prosciutto and add toasted pine nuts for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
