10 Pasta Dishes That Feel Like Fall in a Bowl

As the days grow cooler, nothing beats a warm bowl of pasta that perfectly captures the essence of fall. With hearty ingredients like squash, pumpkin, and rich cheeses, these pasta dishes bring comfort and warmth to your dinner table. Whether you are looking for a filling meal or a cozy dish to enjoy with family, these recipes have something to offer. The flavors of fall are easy to embrace, especially when they are combined with the comforting texture of pasta. 

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Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta

This autumn-inspired pasta is rich with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash and the earthy warmth of sage. It is a perfect dish for cooler weather, bringing comfort with every bite. The sauce is velvety smooth, and the sage adds a fragrant note that enhances the natural flavors of the squash. A simple, hearty pasta dish to warm you up on chilly evenings.

For this recipe, you will need butternut squash, sage, butter, garlic, heavy cream, and your favorite pasta, such as rigatoni or fettuccine. Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch to the sauce. You will also need olive oil for roasting the squash and a pinch of nutmeg to bring out the fall flavors.

Start by roasting the diced butternut squash in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic and sage until fragrant. Add the roasted squash and mash slightly, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and nutmeg to create a creamy sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and coat evenly before serving.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

These stuffed pasta shells are filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, creating a hearty, comforting dish perfect for fall. The spinach brings a bit of freshness, while the ricotta adds a creamy texture. The shells are coated in marinara sauce and baked until bubbly, making it a satisfying meal for any fall evening. It’s a great dish to serve for family dinners or gatherings.

For this recipe, you will need jumbo pasta shells, spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and marinara sauce. A bit of garlic and basil adds depth to the filling.

Boil the pasta shells according to package instructions, then set aside. In a pan, sauté spinach and garlic, then mix with ricotta and mozzarella to form the stuffing. Fill the cooked shells with the spinach mixture and place them in a baking dish covered with marinara sauce. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Autumn Pesto Pasta

This pesto pasta is made with a fall twist, incorporating roasted squash and pecans for a rich, earthy flavor. The smooth, vibrant sauce is perfect for coating your favorite pasta and brings the flavors of fall into every bite. The combination of nuts, cheese, and squash makes it a hearty, filling dish that is perfect for the season. A great choice for a simple yet delicious autumn meal.

For this recipe, you will need roasted squash, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pecans, and pasta, such as fusilli. Olive oil and lemon juice create the base for the pesto.

To make the pesto, blend the roasted squash, basil, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor. Gradually add olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice until smooth. Toss with cooked pasta and top with crushed pecans for added texture. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Creamy Chicken and Leek Pasta

This creamy chicken and leek pasta is a cozy fall dish that combines the mild sweetness of leeks with tender chicken. The rich cream sauce envelops the pasta, creating a comforting, satisfying meal. Leeks provide a light onion flavor, while the chicken adds protein, making it a balanced dish. This recipe is perfect for those who want a hearty meal without too much fuss.

For this dish, you will need chicken breast, leeks, heavy cream, garlic, and pasta, such as tagliatelle. Fresh thyme and lemon juice add a bit of brightness to the dish.

Sauté the chicken breast in a pan until golden, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook the leeks and garlic until softened, then stir in the cream and thyme. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, along with the chicken, and stir until well combined. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and serve with extra thyme.

Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

A creamy, dreamy dish perfect for fall, pumpkin Alfredo combines the richness of Alfredo sauce with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. It is a great way to add a seasonal twist to a classic comfort food. This pasta is indulgent and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner. The pumpkin puree adds a velvety texture to the sauce while maintaining a light, fresh flavor.

For this dish, you will need pumpkin puree, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, butter, and pasta, such as penne or fettuccine. A pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a seasonal touch, while salt and pepper bring balance to the flavors.

In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until softened, then add the pumpkin puree, cream, and spices. Stir in the Parmesan and let the sauce simmer until it thickens. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, making sure it is fully coated. Serve with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a dash of freshly ground pepper.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut squash mac and cheese combines two fall favorites, which are creamy mac and cheese with sweet, roasted squash. The velvety cheese sauce is enriched with the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash, making this dish both comforting and flavorful. It is the perfect dish for a fall family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. You can also adjust the amount of cheese to control the richness.

For this recipe, you will need butternut squash, elbow macaroni, milk, butter, sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can add some crispy breadcrumbs for topping and extra texture.

Preheat your oven and roast the butternut squash until tender. Cook the macaroni until al dente and set it aside. In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic, then add milk and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cheeses until melted, then combine with the cooked squash and macaroni, topping with breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy finish.

Roasted Tomato and Basil Pasta

This roasted tomato and basil pasta is a perfect way to celebrate the fall harvest. The sweet, slightly caramelized roasted tomatoes add a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate with fresh tomatoes. When combined with fresh basil and pasta, this dish creates a comforting, savory meal perfect for crisp evenings. It’s also a great way to make use of any leftover tomatoes you may have on hand.

You will need tomatoes, pasta, fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra sweetness or top with mozzarella cheese for richness.

Start by roasting the tomatoes with garlic and olive oil until they’re soft and caramelized. Cook the pasta until al dente, then toss it with the roasted tomatoes and fresh basil. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella.

Spaghetti with Pumpkin Cream Sauce

Spaghetti with pumpkin cream sauce is the perfect marriage of creamy and savory fall flavors. The pumpkin puree adds a rich, velvety texture to the sauce, which is enhanced by the smoothness of cream and a touch of Parmesan cheese. This simple pasta is both decadent and comforting, ideal for chilly evenings when you want something hearty but not too heavy.

Ingredients include spaghetti, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sage. Optional garnishes include roasted pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of olive oil.

Cook the spaghetti until al dente and set aside. In a pan, sauté garlic, then stir in the pumpkin puree and cream. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then toss the pasta in the sauce and top with Parmesan and sage.

Pasta Primavera with Roasted Vegetables

Pasta primavera with roasted vegetables is a light yet satisfying fall dish. The roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, bring sweetness and caramelized flavors that complement the al dente pasta. The fresh basil and Parmesan cheese add brightness, while the olive oil-based sauce keeps the dish light and healthy. This pasta is perfect for fall when the weather starts to turn cooler and you crave something fresh yet hearty.

To make this dish, you will need pasta, zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, garlic, basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

Roast the vegetables with olive oil and garlic until tender. Cook the pasta and toss with the roasted vegetables. Add fresh basil, Parmesan, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar before serving.

Penne alla Vodka

Penne alla vodka is a creamy, slightly tangy pasta dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for a fall meal. The vodka helps to balance the richness of the cream, and the tomato sauce adds just enough acidity to cut through the creaminess. The penne pasta serves as the perfect vessel for soaking up this delicious sauce. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated dish for any pasta lover.

Ingredients include penne pasta, vodka, tomato sauce, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

Cook the penne until al dente and set aside. In a pan, sauté garlic and deglaze with vodka, then add the tomato sauce and cream. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, then toss the pasta in the sauce and finish with Parmesan cheese.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.