Fall is here, and you know what that means—crisp air, crunchy leaves, and the undeniable urge to cozy up with a bowl of pasta that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re craving something quick for a weeknight or a showstopper for a chilly weekend, these eight comfort food pasta recipes are packed with autumnal vibes. Think creamy sauces, roasted veggies, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. Ready to dig into some seriously delicious fall-inspired dishes? Let’s get cooking!
1. Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta
Who doesn’t love a dish that screams “fall” louder than a pumpkin spice latte? This creamy pumpkin sage pasta is rich, velvety, and comes together faster than you can say “sweater weather.”
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine (or any long pasta)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling, trust me)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Drain, but save ½ cup pasta water.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sage, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Toss in Parmesan and thin with reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Why You’ll Love It
This dish is like autumn in a bowl—creamy, slightly sweet, and savory with that sage kick. I once tried using dried sage, and let’s just say fresh is worth the splurge. Perfect for a cozy night in!
2. Sausage and Kale Rigatoni
Looking for something hearty that still feels a bit virtuous? This sausage and kale rigatoni brings smoky, spicy flavors with a side of greens to keep things balanced.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cups kale, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional, but recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Crumble and cook sausage until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft (3–4 minutes).
- Toss in kale and chicken broth. Cook until kale wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in pasta and Pecorino Romano. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a kick.
Why You’ll Love It
The sausage adds bold flavor, while kale keeps it from feeling too heavy. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in 20 minutes—perfect for those “I’m starving” nights.
3. Butternut Squash Carbonara
Carbonara, but make it fall! This butternut squash carbonara swaps traditional bacon for roasted squash, giving you all the creamy goodness with a seasonal twist.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Whisk eggs and Parmesan in a bowl. Set aside.
- Sauté garlic in a skillet with olive oil for 1 minute. Add roasted squash.
- Off heat, toss pasta with egg mixture, adding pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Mix in squash.
Why You’ll Love It
This dish is indulgent yet light, with butternut squash adding a subtle sweetness. I once tried skipping the roasting step—big mistake. Roast for max flavor!
4. Mushroom and Thyme Orecchiette
Mushrooms and fall go together like cozy socks and a good book. This mushroom and thyme orecchiette is earthy, aromatic, and stupidly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette
- 1 lb mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or oyster)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- ½ cup white wine (or broth)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook orecchiette until al dente. Drain, saving ½ cup pasta water.
- Melt butter in a skillet. Add mushrooms and cook until golden, about 7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute.
- Pour in white wine and simmer until reduced by half. Add heavy cream.
- Toss pasta with sauce, adding pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
Why You’ll Love It
The mushrooms and thyme combo is pure fall magic. Pro tip: splurge on a mix of mushrooms for extra depth. This one’s a crowd-pleaser!
5. Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter
Homemade gnocchi sounds intimidating, but this sweet potato gnocchi is surprisingly doable and tastes like a warm fall evening.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet potatoes, baked and mashed
- 1 ½ cups flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 egg
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and nutmeg to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix mashed sweet potatoes, flour, egg, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg to form a dough.
- Roll dough into ropes, cut into 1-inch pieces, and boil until they float (2–3 minutes). Drain.
- Melt butter in a skillet until it browns (about 3 minutes). Add sage.
- Toss gnocchi in brown butter sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
Why You’ll Love It
These pillowy gnocchi are sweet, nutty, and oh-so-comforting. I burned the butter once—don’t do that. Watch it closely for that perfect nutty flavor!
6. Spicy Chorizo and Pumpkin Ravioli
Store-bought ravioli gets a fall upgrade with this spicy chorizo and pumpkin sauce. It’s quick, bold, and just a little fancy.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
- ½ lb chorizo, crumbled
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook ravioli according to package instructions. Drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook chorizo until crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Toss ravioli in sauce. Top with Parmesan.
Why You’ll Love It
The chorizo adds a spicy kick, while pumpkin keeps it smooth and seasonal. Perfect for when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
7. Roasted Garlic and Spinach Spaghetti
Sometimes simple is best, and this roasted garlic and spinach spaghetti proves it. It’s light, flavorful, and ready in a flash.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 head garlic, roasted
- 3 cups spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain, saving ½ cup pasta water.
- Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into a skillet with olive oil. Mash into a paste.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Toss pasta with garlic-spinach mix, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan. Add pasta water if needed.
Why You’ll Love It
Roasted garlic brings a mellow, nutty vibe that’s pure comfort. This is my go-to when I’m feeling lazy but still want something delicious. 😊
8. Apple and Bacon Cavatappi
Sweet, smoky, and a little unexpected, this apple and bacon cavatappi is the fall pasta you didn’t know you needed.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cavatappi
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated cheddar
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook cavatappi until al dente. Drain.
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and drain, leaving 1 tbsp fat.
- Add butter and apple to the skillet. Cook until soft, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and thyme. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Toss pasta, bacon, and cheddar into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Why You’ll Love It
The apple adds a sweet-tart crunch that pairs perfectly with smoky bacon. I was skeptical about fruit in pasta, but this combo is a game-changer!
Wrapping It Up
These eight fall pasta recipes are your ticket to cozy, flavorful meals that make the most of autumn’s best ingredients. From creamy pumpkin sauces to smoky chorizo kicks, there’s something here for every foodie craving comfort. Which one are you trying first? 🍝
