Creamy Coconut Pumpkin Pasta with Lime Zest

Perfect for October–December, this pasta is my cozy go-to in the heart of pumpkin season — when markets are full of golden squash, the air starts to bite, and our bodies crave something warm, comforting, and creamy. The sweetness of roasted pumpkin balances beautifully with the zing of lime and the gentle heat of cayenne. It’s creamy without cream, deeply satisfying without being heavy, and incredibly simple to make.

Nutritionally, pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene (the precursor to vitamin A), which supports immunity, vision, and skin health — especially important as we head into darker months. Chives and garlic add anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting power, while coconut milk brings healthy fats that support hormone balance and satiety. And that lime zest? It’s like a burst of sunlight — bright, unexpected, and exactly what rainy autumn cooking needs.

Preparation time: 15 mins

Cooking Time: 15 mins

Ingredients for 2 people:

Base (Step 1):

• 2 cups finely chopped pumpkin (don’t make the cubes too small – we don’t want mash)

• 2 garlic cloves, sliced

• A handful of fresh chives

• 1–2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or coconut oil)

Creamy Sauce (Step 2):

• 150 ml (about 5.2 oz) coconut milk

• Juice of ½ lime

• A pinch of cayenne or piri-piri flakes

• A generous pinch of black pepper

• A small pinch of salt (adjust to taste – lime already brings acidity)

• 100–120 g spaghetti or pasta of choice, 70% pre-cooked (I use brown rice pasta here – it finishes cooking in the sauce)

To Finish (Step 3):

• Zest of fresh lime

Step-by-step cooking process:

1. In a deep pan, gently fry the pumpkin, garlic, and chives in olive oil.Cook over medium or medium-high heat for 7–8 minutes, until the pumpkin is slightly golden on the outside but still a little firm in the middle. It should hold its shape — not turn to mush.

2. Add coconut milk, lime juice, cayenne, black pepper, and salt to the same pan. Stir gently.Add the mostly-cooked pasta directly into the sauce and let it finish cooking as the sauce thickens — about 5–6 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Serve warm, with fresh lime zest shaved generously over the top. It makes all the difference. Optional: top with toasted seeds, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.