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Chicken and Pumpkin Pasta

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Chicken and Pumpkin Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken, savory pumpkin purée, and rich Parmesan sauce tossed with pasta. It’s a cozy, protein-packed meal perfect for fall or anytime you want a warm, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh sage or thyme, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in pumpkin purée and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Add heavy cream and nutmeg. Stir to combine and simmer until sauce is creamy.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes more.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
  8. Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Garnish with fresh sage or thyme if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use canned pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
  • Use coconut milk and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
  • Swap chicken with turkey or use leftover roasted chicken.
  • To thin the sauce, add pasta water or more broth as needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chicken-and-pumpkin-pasta/