Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta: The Ultimate Friendsgiving & Fall Dinner Recipe

This Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta offers a uniquely flavorful and comforting twist on classic fall pasta dishes, making it an ideal choice for your Friendsgiving celebration or any cozy autumn evening. The robust, savory notes of Sabra’s Roasted Garlic Hummus perfectly complement the creamy sweetness of pumpkin and the vibrant tang of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a remarkably easy-to-prepare vegetarian meal or side dish that promises to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone eager for a second helping!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sabra. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and festive gatherings are just around the corner! It’s that wonderful time of year when thoughts turn to delicious food, warm company, and the joy of shared meals. And for many of us, that means Friendsgiving!

I don’t know about you, but in my thirties, Friendsgiving celebrations have become an increasingly beloved tradition. It’s like getting a bonus Thanksgiving, a chance to gather your chosen family and share gratitude (and incredible food) without the pressure of formal holiday dinners. It’s all about relaxed fun, laughter, and, of course, a table piled high with fantastic dishes.

The beauty of Friendsgiving lies in its flexibility. Unlike traditional Thanksgiving where classic dishes reign supreme, Friendsgiving invites creativity and innovative twists. This is where our Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta truly shines – it’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet delightfully unexpected. It’s the kind of flavorful creation that sparks conversation and leaves a lasting impression, proving that some of the best holiday memories are made with simple, wholesome ingredients and good friends.

The biggest challenge when heading to a Friendsgiving potluck? Deciding what deliciousness to contribute! You want something that stands out, tastes incredible, and caters to various dietary preferences. This pasta dish is precisely the answer you’ve been searching for. It’s wonderfully creamy, deeply savory, packed with bold flavors, and best of all, it’s vegetarian, making it a perfect option for almost everyone at the table.

There’s a secret ingredient that elevates this fall pasta from good to extraordinary: hummus. Yes, hummus in pasta!

Why Friendsgiving (and this pasta!) is a Must

Friendsgiving has become an increasingly popular tradition, offering a relaxed alternative or supplement to traditional Thanksgiving festivities. It’s a chance to gather with friends, celebrate chosen family, and enjoy a feast without the formality. This Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta is the perfect dish to bring to such an occasion because it’s:

• **Easy to Prepare:** Minimal fuss means more time for mingling and enjoying your guests.
• **Crowd-Pleasing Flavor:** The combination of savory garlic, sweet pumpkin, and tangy tomatoes hits all the right notes for a broad appeal.
• **Vegetarian-Friendly:** It’s a hearty and satisfying option that accommodates vegetarian diets, ensuring everyone has a delicious main or side.
• **Visually Appealing:** Its vibrant color and rustic charm look beautiful on any Friendsgiving table.

The Hummus Revelation: Beyond Dips

You might be wondering, “Hummus in pasta? What’s that all about?” Well, prepare for a delightful surprise! Hummus is truly a magical ingredient that transcends its traditional role as a dip. When incorporated into a warm pasta dish, especially one made with creamy pumpkin puree, it brings a whole new dimension of flavor and texture.

Instead of relying on heavy cream or butter, hummus provides an incredible velvety texture that coats each strand of pasta beautifully. It adds a nuanced, earthy, and savory depth, thanks to the chickpeas and tahini. Furthermore, it’s a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value of your meal, adding protein and fiber. This makes the pasta not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a more wholesome and satisfying option.

And when it comes to hummus, Sabra is my top choice. Specifically, their Roasted Garlic Hummus is the star of this recipe. The pre-roasted garlic infuses a rich, aromatic flavor into the dish without any extra effort on your part. This saves you the time and hassle of roasting garlic cloves from scratch, making the recipe even easier and quicker to execute, which is always a bonus when you’re preparing for a gathering.

The result of this ingenious combination is a pasta dish that is wonderfully creamy, generously dotted with bright sun-dried tomatoes, and lightly sprinkled with cheese. It’s an unforgettable side dish that will have friends raving, but it’s equally robust and satisfying enough to serve as a comforting main course throughout the colder winter months.

Sabra’s Role in Your Friendsgiving

Sabra understands the importance of bringing people together over delicious food. They are dedicated to helping you create an unforgettable Friendsgiving experience, and their hummus varieties are a perfect starting point for flavorful culinary adventures. For more creative ideas, recipes, decor inspiration, and tips on how to host a memorable Friendsgiving celebration, be sure to visit their Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/sabradips/friendsgiving/. You’ll find a treasure trove of ideas to elevate your gathering.

Essential Tools for This Recipe

One of the many reasons to love this Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta is its simplicity, not just in ingredients but also in the minimal equipment required. You won’t need a pantry full of gadgets, just a few kitchen staples:

• **Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus:** The star ingredient! Make sure to grab a tub (or two!) to ensure that incredible burst of savory garlic flavor.
• **Large Pot or Dutch Oven:** Essential for boiling your pasta to that perfect al dente texture. A Dutch oven is fantastic for its even heat distribution.
• **Large Nonstick Skillet:** This is where all the magic happens for the sauce. A good nonstick surface ensures your pumpkin and hummus blend smoothly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
• **Sturdy Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring your sauce to creamy perfection and tossing the pasta without damaging it.

With just these few items, you’re well on your way to creating a fantastic, flavorful meal. The easy cleanup at the end means less stress and more time to enjoy the company of your friends!

More pasta recipes: Easy Perfect Instant Pot Bolognese / Red Wine Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu / Kale, Tomato, and Lemon Magic One-Pot Spaghetti / Sun-Dried Tomato Carbonara

Crafting Your Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta

This delightful fall pasta comes together with incredible ease, making it ideal for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining. Here’s how you’ll bring this vibrant dish to life:

Perfecting the Pasta

The foundation of any great pasta dish is perfectly cooked pasta. Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne (or your preferred pasta shape) and cook it to al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. This “toothsome” texture is crucial because the pasta will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the warm sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy. Overcooked pasta won’t hold the rich sauce as well, and you’ll miss out on that satisfying texture contrast.

Whipping Up the Rich Sauce

While your pasta is bubbling away, you can get started on the incredible sauce – all in one skillet! This is where the magic of the Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus truly shines. Combine the pumpkin puree, hummus, and vegetable broth in a large nonstick skillet. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they form a smooth, uniform base. Next, introduce your spices: chili powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. These spices add warmth and a subtle kick, perfectly complementing the pumpkin and garlic flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing it to cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even thickening. The sauce should visibly thicken and become wonderfully fragrant.

Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt, which adds an extra layer of creaminess and a slight tang. Then, fold in the vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is mostly melted and fully incorporated into the luscious sauce. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. This part comes together seamlessly while the pasta is still cooking, ensuring maximum efficiency.

Bringing It All Together

Finally, once your pasta is perfectly al dente, drain it thoroughly. Immediately add the drained pasta to the creamy pumpkin and hummus sauce in the skillet. Using your wooden spoon, gently toss the pasta, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated in the rich, aromatic sauce. The warmth of the pasta will help the sauce cling, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. To finish, garnish generously with some freshly chopped green parsley for a burst of fresh color and herbaceous flavor. Serve this delightful creation warm, and watch it disappear quickly!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Fresh vs. Canned Pumpkin Puree?

You can absolutely use either fresh or canned pumpkin puree for this recipe, and both yield fantastic results. If you’re feeling adventurous and have some extra time, making your own fresh pumpkin puree can offer a slightly brighter, more earthy flavor. You can check out my comprehensive how to make pumpkin puree guide for step-by-step instructions. However, for convenience and consistent results, a good quality canned pumpkin puree is perfectly acceptable and often preferred. Just be sure to double-check the label and ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin puree, not the sweetened pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that would alter the flavor profile of this savory dish.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Keep or Skip?

The sun-dried tomatoes in this recipe add a wonderful burst of concentrated, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the pumpkin and hummus, creating a beautiful balance. They also contribute a lovely chewy texture and vibrant color. However, if sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your favorite, or if you simply don’t have them on hand, feel free to leave them out entirely. The dish will still be incredibly flavorful and delicious without them, maintaining its creamy, savory pumpkin and garlic essence. You could also experiment with other additions like finely chopped roasted red peppers for a similar sweet-tart note, or some fresh spinach wilted into the sauce for extra greens.

Making Ahead & Storing Leftovers

This pasta dish can be partially made ahead, which is a lifesaver for Friendsgiving or busy weeknights. You can prepare the sauce (pumpkin, hummus, broth, and spices) a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce in a skillet, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if it’s too thick. Cook the pasta fresh and combine. For leftovers, store the cooked pasta and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a little broth or water to bring back its creamy consistency, or microwave until heated through. The flavors often meld even more beautifully the next day!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This versatile Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main course or as a flavorful side dish. If serving as a main, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette and some crusty bread for dipping into the luscious sauce would be perfect. For a Friendsgiving spread, it pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a traditional turkey or a plant-based roast, and other festive autumn dishes. The vibrant flavors make it a delightful contrast to richer holiday fare. Consider a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts just before serving for an added textural crunch and nutty flavor.

Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta

This incredibly flavorful Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta is a vegetarian dream! Creamy, savory, and bursting with bold fall flavors, it’s a simple yet impressive dish that makes a fantastic main or an easy side for any Friendsgiving celebration. The secret ingredient? Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus, which adds a beautiful texture and depth, simplifying your cooking process.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

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equipment

• Wooden Spoon & Scraper
• Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Sauté Pan
• Dutch Oven

ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 15- ounce can pumpkin purée [ or 15 ounces homemade pumpkin puree (link)
• 1/4 cup Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 Tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese plus more to garnish
• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley

instructions

• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente – firm to the bite but still tender. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside, reserving a splash of pasta water if your sauce needs thinning later.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the pumpkin puree, Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir well with a wooden spoon or whisk to combine these ingredients until smooth. Incorporate the chili powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, cooking for about 10 minutes and stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The sauce should become fragrant and coat the back of your spoon.
• Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Greek yogurt until fully incorporated, adding an extra layer of creaminess. Fold in the roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is mostly melted and blended into the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as desired to suit your preference.
• Add the drained, cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the pumpkin hummus sauce. Toss everything together vigorously until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in the rich, creamy sauce. Ensure an even distribution of the sun-dried tomatoes and cheese throughout the dish.
• Serve the Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta immediately while warm. Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish and a touch of color. Enjoy this comforting and unique fall meal!

Cuisine: Thanksgiving

Category: Pasta

This Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta truly embodies the spirit of fall and Friendsgiving – warmth, comfort, and unexpected delightful flavors shared with those you cherish. It’s an easy, impressive dish that will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your seasonal recipe rotation. Whether you’re making it for a large gathering or a quiet dinner at home, its unique blend of savory garlic, creamy pumpkin, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, powered by Sabra hummus, guarantees a memorable and delicious experience. Happy cooking, and even happier Friendsgiving!