Chicken pasta with pumpkin

Savor the flavors of fall with this delicious Chicken Pasta with Pumpkin recipe. Featuring roasted pumpkin, succulent chicken, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy pesto sauce made with pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese, this dish is a seasonal delight. Paired with tender pasta and a touch of buttermilk, it's a comforting and wholesome meal perfect for any night of the week. Ready in under an hour, it's a simple yet flavorful way to celebrate autumn.

  • 13 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 75 min
  • Prep time 30 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 9 Ingredients

Chicken pasta with pumpkin

Chicken pasta with pumpkin is a delightful and hearty dish that blends the rich flavors of pesto, the sweetness of roasted pumpkin, and the savory taste of chicken. This recipe strikes a perfect balance and is sure to impress your family or guests. Follow these steps to create a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup pine nuts
55g
8 cups pumpkin
960g
1/2 cup olive oil
120g
1.50 cups cherry tomatoes
270g
12 oz pasta
340g
1 lb chicken breasts
450g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
40g
1/2 cup buttermilk
120g

Instructions:

1. Toast the Pine Nuts:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Immediately transfer to a bowl to cool.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the cubed pumpkin on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Roast the pumpkin in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. Stir halfway through for even roasting.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- While the pumpkin is roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
4. Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
5. Make the Pesto Sauce:
- In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Blend until finely chopped.
- With the motor running, gradually add the remaining olive oil and buttermilk, blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine Everything:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, combine the cooked pasta, roasted pumpkin, chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and the pesto sauce.
- Gently toss everything together over low heat until well combined and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
7. Serve:
- Divide the pasta among serving plates.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

- For a nut-free option, you can substitute sunflower seeds or pepitas for the pine nuts in the pesto sauce.

- If you want a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream or an extra splash of buttermilk to the sauce.

- To save time, you can use store-bought pesto instead of making your own.

- Feel free to add extra vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, for added nutrition and flavor.

- Make sure to toast the pine nuts as it enhances their flavor, but keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly.

Your chicken pasta with pumpkin is now ready to serve. The combination of pesto, roasted pumpkin, and tender chicken creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this flavorful meal with your loved ones!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size590 grams
Energy
Calories 660kcal33%
Protein
Protein 44g30%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 81g24%
Fiber 5g14%
Sugar 11g11%
Fat
Fat 45g55%
Saturated 7g25%
Cholesterol 90mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 1080ug120%
Choline 140mg25%
Vitamin B1 1.06mg89%
Vitamin B2 0.88mg68%
Vitamin B3 20mg121%
Vitamin B6 1.28mg75%
Vitamin B9 270ug66%
Vitamin B12 0.37ug16%
Vitamin C 30mg35%
Vitamin E 4.92mg33%
Vitamin K 16ug13%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 170mg13%
Copper, Cu 0.82mg91%
Iron, Fe 6mg56%
Magnesium, Mg 150mg36%
Phosphorus, P 670mg53%
Potassium, K 1650mg48%
Selenium, Se 88ug153%
Sodium, Na 240mg16%
Zinc, Zn 4.15mg38%
Water
Water 380g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

More recipes

Pesto shrimps

Ideal for a quick, delicious meal.

09 Apr 2025

Soy chicken with pickled ginger soba noodles

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

06 Apr 2025

Whole-wheat mostaccioli alfredo with parsley and parmesan

Perfect for a delightful and satisfying meal.

09 Apr 2025

Garlic and rosemary butter pot roast chicken

Perfect for a comforting family dinner.

26 Apr 2025

Steak & mushroom pie

Enjoy this comforting, easy-to-make classic for a satisfying family dinner.

11 Apr 2025

Spaghetti with salsa cruda and feta

Ready in just 20 minutes.

23 Jan 2025

Red wine beef and mushrooms

Ideal for dinner parties or a lavish dinner at home.

26 Mar 2025

Posts