Fall brings a craving for warm, comforting meals as the weather turns cooler.
Pasta dishes are perfect for satisfying this desire, combining hearty ingredients with rich flavors.
They offer a great way to enjoy seasonal produce and cozy up on chilly evenings.
You’ll find plenty of tasty options in these 15 fall pasta recipes.
From pumpkin-infused sauces to dishes featuring butternut squash and sage, there’s something to please every pasta lover.
These recipes blend classic Italian flavors with autumn ingredients, creating meals that are both familiar and exciting.
Get ready to explore new taste combinations and add some seasonal flair to your dinner table.
1. Pumpkin Sage Rigatoni
This fall pasta dish combines creamy pumpkin and aromatic sage for a comforting meal.
Start by cooking rigatoni until al dente.
While the pasta boils, prepare the sauce.
In a large pan, brown butter and add fresh sage leaves. Stir in pumpkin puree, milk, and Parmesan cheese.
Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
Toss the cooked rigatoni with the pumpkin sage sauce. The thick ridges of the rigatoni pasta hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
Top with extra Parmesan and crispy sage leaves for added flavor and texture.
2. Butternut Squash Alfredo
This creamy fall pasta dish combines the rich flavors of butternut squash and Alfredo sauce.
Start by roasting cubed butternut squash until tender and caramelized.
In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then set aside.
Sauté garlic in butter, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
Add cream and pureed butternut squash to form a velvety sauce.
Toss the sauce with cooked fettuccine or your favorite pasta shape.
Top with crumbled bacon and sage for extra flavor. You can also add Parmesan cheese for a sharper taste.
This comforting meal is perfect for chilly autumn evenings. It’s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce in a classic pasta dish.
3. Mushroom Stroganoff
Mushroom stroganoff offers a hearty, comforting fall pasta dish.
To make it, start by sautéing sliced mushrooms and onions in butter until golden brown.
Add minced garlic and thyme for extra flavor.
Next, create a creamy sauce by whisking in flour and then adding white wine to deglaze the pan.
Finish the sauce with sour cream or heavy cream for richness.
Serve this delicious mushroom mixture over egg noodles or your favorite pasta.
For best results, use a mix of mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, and button. This vegetarian-friendly dish will warm you up on chilly autumn evenings.
4. Creamy Turkey Pesto Pasta
This fall pasta dish combines leftover turkey with a rich pesto sauce.
You’ll love the creamy texture and bright flavors.
Start by cooking your pasta until it’s al dente. While it cooks, mix eggs, lemon zest, and pesto in a bowl.
In a skillet, heat olive oil, butter, and garlic. Add peas and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
Stir in the pesto mixture and cooked turkey.
Toss the pasta with the sauce, adding some pasta water to get the right consistency.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
This recipe is perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s quick, easy, and full of fall flavor.
5. Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Gnocchi
This fall dish combines sweet and savory flavors.
You’ll love the soft gnocchi made from roasted sweet potatoes. The pillowy pasta is tossed in a maple brown butter sauce.
Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch to balance the sweetness. Fresh sage leaves give an earthy, aromatic touch. The maple syrup brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
To make this, roast sweet potatoes until tender. Mash them and mix with flour to form the gnocchi dough. Boil the gnocchi until they float. Then pan-fry them in brown butter with bacon and sage.
6. Spicy Sausage Penne
Spicy sausage penne is a hearty fall pasta dish you’ll love.
To make it, cook penne pasta until al dente. In a skillet, brown Italian sausage removed from its casing.
Add garlic and onions to the pan. Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and cream.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer until the pasta is tender.
Finish the dish by mixing in some grated cheese.
The result is a creamy, spicy pasta with rich sausage flavor. It’s perfect for chilly autumn evenings when you want something warming and satisfying.
7. Caramelized Onion Mac and Cheese
This fall pasta dish takes classic mac and cheese to the next level. Sweet caramelized onions add depth and richness to creamy cheese sauce.
Cook pasta until al dente. While it cooks, slowly caramelize sliced onions in butter until golden brown.
Make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and shredded Gruyère. The nutty Gruyère pairs perfectly with the sweet onions.
Mix the pasta, cheese sauce, and caramelized onions. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and golden.
You’ll love how the onions’ sweetness balances the sharp cheese. It’s pure comfort food for chilly autumn evenings.
8. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a cozy fall pasta dish.
You’ll need jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese, spinach, mozzarella, and marinara sauce.
Cook the shells according to package directions. Mix ricotta, cooked spinach, mozzarella, and seasonings in a bowl. Fill each shell with the mixture.
Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top, open side up.
Cover with more sauce and sprinkle with extra cheese.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35 minutes until bubbly. The result is a warm, cheesy pasta perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
9. Brussels Sprouts Carbonara
Brussels sprouts add a delicious twist to classic carbonara. This fall pasta dish combines crispy bacon, shredded Brussels sprouts, and a creamy egg sauce.
To make it, cook bacon until crispy in a large skillet. Add thinly sliced Brussels sprouts and sauté until lightly charred.
Cook your pasta of choice in salted water. Mix eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper in a bowl.
Toss the hot pasta with the bacon and Brussels sprouts. Quickly stir in the egg mixture to create a silky sauce.
Serve your Brussels sprouts carbonara immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
10. Chestnut and Pancetta Pappardelle
This fall pasta dish combines rich flavors and textures.
You’ll love the mix of crispy pancetta, tender chestnuts, and wide pappardelle noodles.
Start by cooking the pasta in salted water until al dente. While it cooks, fry pancetta in a pan until crispy. Add chopped onion and garlic for extra flavor.
Crumble in cooked chestnuts and fresh sage leaves. Toss the cooked pasta with this savory mixture.
Add some reserved pasta water and grated cheese to create a light sauce that coats the noodles.
The result is a hearty, comforting pasta perfect for cool autumn evenings. The chestnuts add a subtle sweetness that balances the salty pancetta beautifully.
11. Rosemary Garlic Chicken Penne
This fall pasta dish combines the comforting flavors of rosemary and garlic with tender chicken and penne.
Start by cooking the penne in salted water until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, sauté garlic and rosemary in olive oil. Add sliced chicken and cook until golden.
Pour in cream and let it simmer until it thickens.
Toss the cooked penne with the chicken and sauce.
Add a splash of pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the noodles. The result is a hearty, aromatic pasta perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
12. Roasted Beetroot Fettuccine
This vibrant pasta dish brings autumn flavors to your plate.
Roast beets in the oven until tender, then blend them into a creamy sauce for fettuccine.
Add garlic and onion while roasting to enhance the flavor. Mix the blended beets with ricotta cheese for a rich, velvety texture.
Toss the sauce with cooked fettuccine and sprinkle with fresh herbs. The bright pink color will impress your dinner guests.
This recipe is easy to make and packed with nutrients. You can have it ready in about an hour, perfect for a cozy fall evening meal.
13. Leek and Gruyere Orzo
This fall pasta dish combines the mild onion flavor of leeks with rich, nutty Gruyere cheese.
Start by cooking orzo pasta until it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
While the orzo cooks, sauté sliced leeks in butter until they turn golden and caramelized. This process brings out their natural sweetness.
Mix the cooked orzo with the caramelized leeks and add shredded Gruyere cheese.
The heat from the pasta will melt the cheese, creating a creamy sauce.
For extra depth, you can add sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon bits. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This comforting pasta dish is perfect for cool autumn evenings.
14. Hearty Beef Bourguignon Ragu
This fall pasta dish combines the rich flavors of beef bourguignon with a hearty ragu sauce.
Start by slow-cooking beef chunks with red wine, bacon, and pearl onions.
Add mushrooms, carrots, and garlic to build depth.
Let the sauce simmer until the meat is tender and easily shreds.
Serve this robust ragu over wide pasta like pappardelle or tagliatelle. The noodles will soak up the savory sauce.
Top with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This comforting meal is perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
15. Cider Braised Pork Tagliatelle
This fall pasta dish combines tender pork with sweet apple cider flavors.
You’ll braise pork shoulder in a mixture of apple cider and spices until it’s fork-tender.
Shred the meat and toss it with wide tagliatelle noodles.
The braising liquid reduces to create a rich sauce that coats the pasta.
Add some sautéed onions and apples for extra autumn flair. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like sage or thyme brings out the seasonal tastes.
This hearty meal is perfect for cool evenings. The mix of savory pork and sweet cider makes a cozy, comforting pasta dish you’ll love.
The Essence of Autumn in Pasta
Fall pasta dishes bring warmth and comfort to your table. They mix seasonal flavors with hearty textures to create satisfying meals perfect for cooler weather.
Incorporating Seasonal Ingredients
Fall offers a bounty of ingredients to enhance your pasta dishes.
Try adding roasted butternut squash, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness.
Crisp apples and dried cranberries can add bursts of flavor and texture.
Mushrooms like shiitake or porcini bring an earthy taste to your pasta. For greens, try kale, Brussels sprouts, or Swiss chard. These add nutrition and a pop of color.
Don’t forget about nuts! Toasted pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts can give your pasta a nice crunch.
Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary infuse your dishes with aromatic fall flavors.
Balancing Flavors and Textures
Creating a great fall pasta dish is all about balance.
Mix sweet and savory elements to keep things interesting. Pair creamy sauces with crunchy toppings for contrast.
Try a pumpkin cream sauce with crispy bacon bits. Or toss roasted vegetables with al dente pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes to offset sweeter ingredients.
Use different pasta shapes to hold onto sauces and mix-ins.
Short pastas like penne or farfalle work well with chunky vegetable sauces. Long noodles like fettuccine are great for creamy, clingy sauces.
Tips for Choosing the Right Pasta
Picking the right pasta shapes and cooking them properly can make a big difference in your fall pasta dishes.
The right choices will help your sauces cling better and give you the perfect texture.
Matching Pasta Shapes to Sauces
Choose long, thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine for oil-based or light tomato sauces. These noodles let the sauce coat them evenly.
For chunky, meaty sauces, go with shapes that have nooks and crannies like rotini or fusilli. They’ll catch and hold the sauce well.
Short, tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni work great with thick, creamy sauces. The sauce can get inside the tubes.
For baked dishes, pick sturdy shapes that won’t fall apart, such as ziti or shells.
Try bow-tie pasta (farfalle) for cold salads. The fun shape holds dressing well and looks nice on the plate.
Cooking Times and Techniques
Always check the package for cooking times, but taste test your pasta as it cooks. You want it “al dente” – tender but still firm when you bite it.
This usually takes 8-12 minutes for dried pasta.
Use a big pot with lots of water. Add salt to the water for flavor.
Don’t add oil – it can make your sauce slide off the pasta.
Stir the pasta right after you add it to the water. This stops it from sticking together.
Keep stirring now and then as it cooks.
Save some pasta water before you drain it. This starchy water can help thin out thick sauces or help sauces stick to the pasta better.
- More Delicious Winter Cocktails - October 23, 2024
- More Hot Starbucks Drink Recipes - October 22, 2024
- More Boozy Drinks Recipes - October 22, 2024