Pumpkin Pasta with Herbs De Provence Sea Salt
This pumpkin pasta is creamy, savory, and built around roasted pumpkin, heavy cream, pasta water, pancetta, parmesan, parsley, and Herbs de Provence sea salt. The pumpkin roasts until tender, then blends into a smooth sauce that coats the pasta without feeling heavy. Herbes de Provence sea salt adds an aromatic herb finish that works with the sweetness of pumpkin, the richness of cream, and the salty crunch of pancetta. Serve it as a fall dinner, weeknight pasta, or a cozy seasonal side with chicken, salmon, or a green salad.
Ingredients (for 1 serving):
For the pumpkin sauce:
7 oz of pumpkin, sliced
1 tbsp of oil
A pinch of black pepper
1 tsp of Herbs De Provence Sea Salt
½ cup of Heavy Cream
For the rest:
5 oz of cooked pasta
¼ cup of pasta water
1 oz of crispy cooked pancetta
½ oz of parmesan, grated
Fresh parsley
Why Herbs de Provence Sea Salt Works in This Pumpkin Pasta
Herbes de Provence Sea Salt works in pumpkin pasta because the herb blend balances pumpkin’s natural sweetness and gives the creamy sauce a more savory finish. It also supports the pancetta, parmesan, black pepper, and parsley without requiring a long list of herbs. Season the pumpkin before roasting, then taste the finished sauce before adding more salt.
Instructions:
Add pumpkin to a baking tray and drizzle with oil
Season with black pepper and herbs de provence sea salt
Cook for 40 minutes and 400F
Add cooked pumpkin to a blender and add in the heavy cream
Blitz until smooth
Add the creamy pumpkin sauce to the cooked penne pasta and add in the pasta water
Mix well and serve
Top with crispy pancetta, parmesan and fresh parsley
FAQ:
Q: Can I make pumpkin pasta ahead?
A: Yes. Store it refrigerated and reheat gently with a splash of pasta water, cream, or water to loosen the sauce.
Q: Can I skip the pancetta?
A: Yes. The pasta will still work without pancetta. Add roasted mushrooms or toasted nuts if you want another savory topping.