If you’ve been searching for a comforting, elegant meal that feels both indulgent and simple, then this Pumpkin Sage Butter Tortellini Recipe is going to be your new favorite autumnal delight. Creamy pumpkin puree and browned sage butter combine in a luscious sauce that lovingly embraces tender cheese tortellini, creating a dish that’s bursting with seasonal warmth and cozy flavors. Each bite is a perfect harmony of herbaceous sage, silky butter, and subtle sweetness from the roasted garlic and pumpkin – truly a showstopper for weekday dinners or special gatherings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of several small white bowls and a colander arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients for a meal. The colander on the right holds pale yellow tortellini pasta with a soft texture. Above it, a white bowl contains bright orange pumpkin puree with a smooth, thick layer. To the left of the pumpkin, a small wooden bowl has greenish dried herbs with a fine texture. A cup filled with white half & half cream sits on the top left. Below, a white bowl is filled with shredded white Parmesan cheese. Next to it is a white plate with several yellow cubes of butter. A small white bowl on the bottom left is filled with fresh green sage leaves, smooth and oval-shaped. At the top right corner, a small white bowl holds golden brown roasted garlic with a chunky texture. Everything is set on a white marbled background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients can lead to an absolutely stunning dish. Each plays a vital role in building layers of texture and taste, from fragrant herbs to rich, creamy elements that make this Pumpkin Sage Butter Tortellini Recipe sing.

Garlic head: Roasting it gently softens the garlic for a sweet, mellow depth without harshness.
Olive oil: Essential for roasting and tossing pasta, it adds subtle fruitiness and prevents sticking.
Cheese tortellini: The star pasta of the dish, with a lovely cheesy filling that complements the sauce perfectly.
Butter: Browning it with sage infuses a nutty, fragrant dimension that enriches the entire sauce.
Fresh sage leaves: Crisped in browned butter, these bring an aromatic, slightly peppery touch and beautiful color contrast.
Rubbed sage: Deepens the herbaceous notes within the sauce itself.
Pumpkin puree: The heart of the sauce, providing natural sweetness, creamy texture, and gorgeous autumn vibes.
Half and half: Balances the pumpkin’s thickness with silky creaminess for perfect sauce consistency.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, savory richness that melts seamlessly into the sauce and finishes the dish beautifully.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate all the other flavors without overpowering.

How to Make Pumpkin Sage Butter Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by slicing the garlic head in half and wrapping it with olive oil and salt in foil. Roasting it at 350 degrees for about an hour transforms the garlic into soft, golden cloves with a sweet, caramelized flavor that forms the flavor foundation of the sauce.

Step 2: Cook and Toss the Tortellini

Meanwhile, boil your tortellini according to the package instructions, seasoning the water well with salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Once cooked, toss the tortellini lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Brown the Butter and Sage

Melt butter in a large saute pan over medium heat, then lower the heat to gently brown it for about five minutes. Add fresh sage leaves and cook until they turn crispy, giving the butter a nutty aroma that is quintessential to this Pumpkin Sage Butter Tortellini Recipe. Removing the leaves leaves behind a beautifully infused butter that elevates the entire dish.

Step 4: Combine Roasted Garlic and Rubbed Sage

Stir in the mashed roasted garlic along with rubbed sage into the browned butter, cooking briefly to wake up those fragrant notes and bind the flavors before adding the creamy ingredients.

Step 5: Create the Pumpkin Cream Sauce

Add the pumpkin puree and half and half slowly, whisking with a few pinches of salt and pepper until the sauce is smooth, rich, and velvety. This luscious mixture is what makes the Pumpkin Sage Butter Tortellini Recipe so unique and irresistibly cozy.

Step 6: Melt in Parmesan and Toss Tortellini

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, adding a savory punch that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin perfectly. Then gently fold in the cooked tortellini, allowing every piece to get luxuriously coated and warmed through.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Plate your tortellini, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top, and garnish with those crispy sage leaves for an elegant, aromatic finish.

How to Serve Pumpkin Sage Butter Tortellini Recipe

A white bowl with two green handles filled with about three layers of folded pasta shells coated in thick, creamy, yellow-orange cheese sauce with visible small black pepper specks on a white marbled texture surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few crispy sage leaves not only enhances the visual appeal but also delivers an extra burst of savory and herbal notes with every bite. A dash of freshly cracked black pepper can add a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

To round out this rich pasta dish, consider serving it alongside a vibrant green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash complement the warm, autumn flavors echoing in the tortellini.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the Pumpkin Sage Butter Tortellini in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra browned butter and a few sage leaves artfully scattered. Pairing it with crusty artisan bread can help mop up every drop of that decadent sauce, making it an inviting, shareable experience perfect for cozy dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Pumpkin Sage Butter Tortellini Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors may deepen overnight, but be mindful that the tortellini can absorb some sauce, so adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating can revive creaminess.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, although the texture of the tortellini may soften slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place cooled tortellini with sauce in a sealed freezer-safe container and keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if needed.

Reheating

Reheat your Pumpkin Sage Butter Tortellini Recipe on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. Adding a splash of half and half, milk, or broth helps return it to its luscious, saucy state. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use dried sage instead of fresh for this Pumpkin Sage Butter Tortellini Recipe?

You can use dried sage if fresh isn’t available, but fresh leaves provide a brighter, more aromatic flavor and crisp better when browned in butter, contributing to both texture and visual appeal.

Is canned pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling for this recipe?

It’s important to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, because the latter contains added sugar and spices that would alter the savory balance of this dish. Puree offers a clean, natural pumpkin flavor perfect for sauces.

Can I substitute the half and half with another dairy option?

Yes, you can replace half and half with heavy cream for richer sauce or a mixture of milk and cream to keep it lighter. Non-dairy alternatives with similar fat content, like cashew cream, can work well too.

Should I make my own tortellini or buy store-bought for this recipe?

Store-bought refrigerated cheese tortellini works wonderfully and saves time, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade tortellini elevate the dish beautifully with a fresh texture and flavor.

What wine pairs well with Pumpkin Sage Butter Tortellini Recipe?

A lightly oaked Chardonnay or a dry Riesling complements the creamy, buttery sauce and delicate herbs perfectly, balancing the richness without overwhelming the pumpkin’s subtle sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Sage Butter Tortellini Recipe truly embodies comfort food elevated to a celebration of fall’s best flavors. Its simple ingredients come together into a dish so soulful and satisfying you’ll want to make it again and again. I hope you’ll try it soon and enjoy every cozy, buttery bite as much as I do!