Autumn Vegetarian Pasta Recipes for Cozy Fall Dinners

Updated On: October 5, 2025

As the crisp autumn breeze rustles fallen leaves and the days grow shorter, our cravings shift towards warm, comforting meals that still celebrate the vibrant flavors of the season. Autumn vegetarian pasta recipes are the perfect way to embrace this change, combining hearty, earthy vegetables with rich, cozy sauces that make every bite a celebration of fall.

Whether it’s roasted butternut squash, caramelized mushrooms, or fragrant sage-infused sauces, these dishes not only satisfy your hunger but also fill your kitchen with the unmistakable aroma of autumn.

Plus, they’re a great way to enjoy a meatless meal that’s both nutritious and indulgently delicious.

In this post, we’ll explore several delightful autumn vegetarian pasta recipes that are easy to prepare, packed with seasonal ingredients, and guaranteed to become your new favorites. From creamy pumpkin fettuccine to sage-browned butter ravioli, these recipes will inspire you to cook up a storm this fall!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These autumn vegetarian pasta recipes are designed to highlight the best produce of the season while keeping things simple and satisfying. You’ll love them because:

  • Seasonal Ingredients: Using fall vegetables like squash, mushrooms, and kale ensures fresh, vibrant flavors.
  • Comforting and Warm: These dishes are perfect for chilly evenings when you need something hearty and cozy.
  • Vegetarian Friendly: Ideal for those avoiding meat but still wanting a rich, protein-packed meal.
  • Easy to Customize: Swap vegetables or pasta shapes to suit your preferences or pantry staples.
  • Impress Your Guests: These flavorful, colorful dishes make for beautiful and delicious autumn dinner parties.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Butternut Squash 1 medium (about 2 lbs) Peeled, seeded, and cubed
Olive Oil 3 tablespoons Extra virgin preferred
Garlic 3 cloves Minced
Fresh Sage 10 leaves Whole leaves for browning
Heavy Cream or Coconut Cream 1 cup Substitute for vegan version
Parmesan Cheese 1/2 cup, grated Use nutritional yeast for vegan option
Pasta (Fettuccine or Tagliatelle) 12 oz Gluten-free if desired
Salt To taste For seasoning
Black Pepper To taste Freshly ground
Chopped Walnuts 1/4 cup Optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot for boiling pasta
  • Baking Sheet for roasting squash
  • Large Skillet for sautéing and browning sage
  • Food Processor or Blender to puree squash
  • Colander to drain pasta
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula for stirring

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden brown.
  2. While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
  4. Add the roasted squash to a food processor or blender. Pour in the cream and blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Pour the squash cream sauce into the skillet with garlic. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  6. In a separate small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the fresh sage leaves and cook until crisp and browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain.
  7. Toss the drained pasta into the squash cream sauce. Mix well to combine, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
  8. Serve the pasta topped with crispy sage leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped walnuts for crunch. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. You can also replace butter with vegan margarine or extra olive oil for browning the sage.

Try these variations to keep your autumn pasta exciting:

  • Swap butternut squash for roasted pumpkin or sweet potatoes for a subtle flavor twist.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or kale to the sauce for extra texture and earthiness.
  • Use gnocchi or ravioli instead of fettuccine for a different pasta experience.
  • Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts for a seasonal crunch.
  • Drizzle a bit of browned butter infused with fresh thyme instead of sage for a fragrant alternative.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 450 kcal
Protein 14 g
Carbohydrates 60 g
Dietary Fiber 7 g
Fat 15 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Sodium 320 mg
Vitamin A 120% DV
Vitamin C 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

Pair this autumn vegetarian pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce. A side of crusty bread, such as the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe, complements the meal beautifully.

For dessert, consider something warm and comforting like the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe to round out your autumn feast.

To enjoy a delightful beverage alongside, try a freshly made Green Goodness Juice Recipe for a refreshing contrast.

Conclusion

Embracing autumn’s bounty with vegetarian pasta recipes not only brings warmth and comfort to your table but also celebrates the season’s rich flavors and colors. These dishes are perfect for weekday dinners or special gatherings, offering a satisfying, meat-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or heartiness.

The roasted butternut squash sauce combined with sage and creamy elements creates a dish that’s both elegant and approachable.

Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or a seasoned pro, these autumn pasta recipes will inspire you to cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients while enjoying the cozy vibes of fall. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and pair your meals with complementary sides and desserts from the blog to create a full, memorable dining experience.

Happy cooking this autumn!

📖 Recipe Card: Autumn Vegetarian Pasta

Description: A cozy pasta dish featuring seasonal autumn vegetables and warm spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add diced butternut squash and mushrooms; cook for 10 minutes until tender.
  5. Stir in dried sage, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  6. Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Toss cooked pasta into the skillet and mix well to combine.
  8. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 380 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 60 g

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Marta K

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