8 cozy and warm fall pasta ideas
Fall is here and we are craving some comfort food! With the days getting shorter and colder, we seek for warmth and flavors in our plates. And what’s a better comforting dish than pasta? (Personally, there’s nothing better for me!) From the classical butternut squash pasta to the hearty cheesy pasta gratin, discover our 8 favorite fall pasta recipes for this new season!
#1 – Butternut Squash Pasta
No way we could talk about fall recipes without mentioning butternut squash. This savory and sweet squash has many uses in the kitchen during autumn: it’s delicious in soups or roasted, but did you know you can also enjoy it with your favorite pasta?
The tricky part with butternut is always cutting it, as it has quite a hard skin. Choose your sharpest knife and cut the squash in two to help you peel it. You can also put it whole in the oven for 1 hour, and remove the squash easily when it’s mushy. (Be cautious to do it when the squash has cooled down not to burn yourself!).
To prepare a butternut squash pasta, you’ll want to roast your squash with herbs, usually thyme, and garlic. Then, puree it with ricotta or another cheese to obtain a creamy texture.
Boil your pasta as usual (we love it with spaghetti!) and when it’s done, mix it with the butternut squash puree. For an extra topping, add crispy pancetta or bacon, a tablespoon of ricotta and parmesan and voilà! Here you have the perfect coziest and creamy fall pasta dish ready to eat!
#2 – Smoked salmon and leek tagliatelle
Leeks are another fall vegetable we love to associate with pasta. And leek tagliatelle with smoked salmon is my personal favorite: it reminds me of the meal my mom would prepare for us at night, to comfort us after a long day at school.
I love it, because the leeks melt in your mouth, and the fresh tagliatelle contrast super well with the smokiness of the salmon. It truly is a comforting and generous pasta meal!
And frankly: it’s quite easy to do! You’ll just need 4 ingredients: fresh tagliatelle, leeks (usually two), smoked salmon and whipping cream.
Peel and wash the leeks, then cut them into slices. Cook until they are melting. When the tagliatelle are boiled, mix them with the leeks, the liquid whipping cream and smoked salmon! My personal tip? Add pepper when serving to enhance the flavors of the pasta!
#3- Cheesy pasta gratin
If you’re looking for a hearty pasta dish to keep you warm this fall, look no further than a cheesy pasta gratin. This dish is packed with flavorful cheeses and fresh herbs, making it the perfect comfort food for cooler weather. Serve it alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal.
For a more gourmet take on this dish, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers. You can also switch up the cheese blend to include interesting varieties like Gruyere or Gorgonzola. No matter how you make it, a cheesy pasta gratin is sure to please!
#4- Creamy mushroom raviolis
Creamy mushroom raviolis are another great option for a fall pasta dish. Mushrooms are in season during autumn, so they make a perfect addition to this rich and creamy pasta dish. You can use any type of mushroom you like: button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or even wild mushrooms. If you’re feeling extra decadent, top this dish with some shaved truffle !
This rich and flavorful dish can be made with any type of ravioli, but we love the earthy flavor of mushrooms paired with a creamy sauce. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
#5- Beef and noodles broth
Beef and noodles broth is the perfect comfort food for a chilly autumn day. This dish is made with tender beef, hearty noodles, and a flavorful broth. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.
To make this dish even more filling, add some chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. You can also add some starches like potatoes or corn. This dish is best served with a crusty piece of bread for dipping.
#6- Sweat potatoes gnocchi with sage
Ok, let’s be honest: have you tried homemade sweet potatoes ? Really? You’ll know it’s impossible to come back to industrial gnocchi or even regular gnocchi after that! Sweet potatoes gnocchi truly are a fall pasta recipe. We love to pair them with sage because the sweetness of the potatoes is well balanced by the savory sage.
Making sweet potatoes gnocchi with sage is a bit more time-consuming than other pasta recipes, but it’s well worth the effort. You’ll need indeed to peel, boil the sweet potatoes and puree them with flour until you obtain the perfect dough to roll the gnocchi. This takes a bit of times, but let’s say it’s the perfect Sunday afternoon activity on a rainy fall day!
These little dumplings are light and fluffy, and they taste absolutely amazing. Serve them with a simple sauce like brown butter or olive oil and you’ll have a dish that’s fit for a special occasion.
#7– Spaghetti with beet pasta sauce
Beets are another fall vegetable that make a great addition to pasta dishes. They also color your pasta pink, which is obviously funny and memorable ! Let’s say it adds some colors to you meals when days can turn pretty grey!
We have actually already shared with you our beet pasta sauce recipe, so check it out! And if you feel like it, you can also make your own beet pasta dough!
#8- Creamy bow tie carbonara with broccoli
What if you added a fall twist to your regular carbonara? Broccoli are in season right now and they would complement the dish so well! Carbonara with roasted broccoli is a great way to change up your usual pasta routine. We love it with bow tie pasta because the little nooks and crannies are perfect for holding onto the sauce.
The key to a great carbonara is all in the sauce. We like ours with a mixture of eggs, Parmesan cheese, and cream. The addition of roasted broccoli gives this dish a beautiful fall flavor that we can’t get enough of. Please, try it and tell us what you think!
