Description
Creamy Alfredo sauce meets autumn comfort in this cozy Pumpkin Sage Chicken Alfredo. With tender chicken, earthy pumpkin, fresh sage, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a satisfying seasonal dinner that feels elegant but is simple enough for a weeknight.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
Optional Toppings:
- Extra Parmesan
- Crispy sage leaves
- Crushed walnuts or toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sage. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in pumpkin puree and cream. Simmer gently, stirring, for 3–5 minutes. Add Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until smooth.
- Combine & Serve: Toss cooked pasta in the pumpkin Alfredo sauce. Plate pasta and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh sage if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream.
- To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
- This sauce also works beautifully with butternut squash puree as a substitute for pumpkin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, Sauté
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
