I whipped up this Farfalle with Pumpkin Sauce because I wanted an easy, cozy dinner that brings all the comforting flavors of fall without the fuss. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying.

The Best Creamy Pumpkin Sauce
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that still feels a bit fancy, this Farfalle with Pumpkin Sauce is your go-to. It combines the rich, creamy goodness of pumpkin with a hint of spice, all wrapped up in tender bowtie pasta. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone noticing.
This recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen and the sauce, I must admit, is really really good!
Ingredients Needed:
Pasta
- Farfalle pasta
Meat
- No Nitrate bacon (totally optional)
Dairy
- Butter
- Half and half (or Whole Milk and Heavy Cream)
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Produce
- Onions & Garlic
- Pumpkin Puree
Pantry Staples
- Flour
- Rosemary, sage,oregano, red chili flakes, salt & pepper
How to Make Farfalle with Pumpkin Sauce
This creamy pumpkin pasta is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick but still delicious.
- Start by cooking the pasta.
- Next we’re going to cook up some bacon. Now this step is optional as well as sprinkling the bacon on top in the last step. This is used primarily for the flavor that is rendered from the bacon. But it isn’t an essential step if you choose to omit it.
- Use the same pan to whip up the sauce by sauteeing some onions, garlic, herbs, and pumpkin puree.
- Once everything’s simmering and the flavors meld together, toss in the cooked pasta and stir it all up. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan (and the crispy bacon-optional), and you’ve got a cozy meal that’s ready to go in no time.

Can I use another type of pasta?
If you’re wondering whether or not you can use a different pasta type, the answer is yes. I personally love bowties, but there are many others to choose from should you decide to change it up:
- Penne
- Ziti
- Linguine
- Rigatoni
- Cavatappi
- Fusilli

Looking for more bowtie recipes?
Pumpkin Spiced Overnight Oats: I love these pumpkin spiced overnight oats because they’re such a simple way to enjoy fall flavors first thing in the morning. Just mix everything up the night before, and breakfast is ready when you are.
Pumpkin Spice Balls: These pumpkin spice balls are my go-to snack when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. They’re quick, easy, and taste like fall in every bite.
Pumpkin Risotto: This pumpkin risotto is one of those dinners that feels fancy but is actually super straightforward to make. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for a cozy evening at home.
FARFALLE WITH CREAMY PUMPKIN SAUCE
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Farfalle in a creamy pumpkin sauce
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
a SIMPLE weeknight dinner with a creamy subtle pumpkin sauce that even kids like! Top it with chicken or your choice of protein if desired or keep it vegetarian. Â
Ingredients
- ½ lb. Farfalle pasta (2 cups)
- 3 Slices No Nitrate bacon, diced
- 1 Tbsp. Butter
- 1 Tbsp. Flour
- ÂĽ – ½ Cup Onion, diced small
- 3–4 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Cups Half and Half (or 1 Cup Whole milk, 1 Cup Heavy cream)
- Âľ Cup Pumpkin Puree
- ½ teaspoon EACH dried rosemary, sage, oregano, red chili flakes, salt
- ÂĽ teaspoon Black pepper
- 4 oz. Cream Cheese
- ½ Cup Parmesan cheeseÂ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente in a large saucepan over medium/high heat.
- Cook the bacon until crispy in a large skillet. Set aside on paper towels. Wipe pan clean.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the onion and sauté until softened. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir to combine for 30 seconds. Add the milk, rosemary, sage, salt, oregano, chili flakes, and black pepper. Add the cream cheese. Once melted, add the Parmesan cheese and cooked bacon (if desired).
- Lastly, add the pumpkin.
- Stir occasionally over low heat (just a simmer) until the mixture begins to bubble.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to combine, adding pasta water to thin and combine.Â
- Serve hot with shaved parmesan on top.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American










This was wonderful. It wasn’t too pumpkiny. it was subtle and the flavors worked really well together. I will make this again.
When do you add the bacon to the dish?
step 4
Very easy recipe to make. I’m glad I tried it.