• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Watch Learn Eat
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Resources
  • Tees & Totes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Resources
  • Cookbooks
  • Tees & Totes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About Us
    • Resources
    • Cookbooks
    • Tees & Totes
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • Γ—

    Home Β» Dressings, Gravies and Sauces

    Easy Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

    Published: Oct 21, 2020 by Sherri Hall Β· This post may contain affiliate links.

    pin showing pot of sauce with pasta mixed in

    This pumpkin tomato sauce is easy to make in under 30 minutes using pantry ingredients. It's also vegan-friendly, gluten-free and has no added sugar. Perfect over pasta, zucchini noodles or even on pizza!

    Jump to Recipe
    mixing pumpkin tomato sauce and rotini pasta together in a pot with a wooden spoon

    ♪ Start spreading the news...it's pumpkin season.

    I want to be a part of it...pumpkin, pumpkin ♫

    Corny?

    Maybe. Probably. Yes!

    But in my defense, I'm going pumpkin crazy over here! 😉

    I don't know about you, but what I love most about fall is that it's perfectly acceptable to add pumpkin to everything, including song lyrics!

    Um, I mean...tomato sauce! 🙂

    two bowls of pasta with sauce and two forks on a wooden board

    For this recipe, I decided I wanted to make a savory pumpkin pasta dish, but with a tomato-based sauce rather than a creamy one.

    The result? A thick and flavorful sauce that has just enough pumpkin without overpowering the tomato-y flavor.

    It also happens to be vegan-friendly, gluten-free, grain-free and contains no added sugar.

    How to make pumpkin tomato pasta sauce - step by step

    Start by heating olive oil over medium heat.

    Add shallot and cook until shallot becomes translucent, stirring occasionally (approximately 2-3 minutes).

    sauteing shallots in olive oil

    Next add crushed tomatoes, pumpkin puree, parsley, oregano, nutmeg and salt.

    ingredients for making the sauce in a pot before being mixed together

    Stir to combine.

    sauce ingredients mixed together in a pot before cooking

    Cover and cook on medium for 20 minutes.

    Turn off the heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes before removing the cover, as the sauce will splatter as it cooks since it is very thick.

    sauce in pot after being cooked

    Stir well before serving.

    What pairs well with this sauce?

    This sauce pairs perfectly with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Here I used a 12-ounce box of Jovial's brown rice fusilli and mixed the sauce right in with it.

    gathering some pasta and sauce with a wooden spoon

    I also really love this sauce paired with lentil pasta or zucchini noodles.

    And, it's super tasty with a side of our vegan and gluten-free garlic bread.

    Top it off with some grated Parmesan, vegan grated Parmesan, our our homemade vegan pumpkin seed Parmesan.

    This sauce is also great for adding a fall-inspired twist to pizza night. 🙂

    red lentil penne pasta in pasta bowl with pumpkin tomato sauce garnished with grated cheese and parsley

    How to store leftovers

    Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Can the sauce be frozen?

    Yes, this sauce can be frozen for up to 6 months. Be sure to store it in an airtight container and fully thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

    Reheating the sauce

    The sauce is best reheated on the stovetop in a covered pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

    overhead of pasta in a pasta bowl with sauce and garnished with grated cheese and parsley

    Related Recipes

    • Vegan Vodka Sauce
    • Vegan Bolognese
    • Vegan Baked Ziti
    • Lentil Pasta with with Roasted Garlic, Broccoli and Creamy Red Pepper Sauce
    • Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
    • Vegan Pumpkin Risotto
    stirring pasta and pumpkin tomato sauce together in a pot with a wooden spoon
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    5 from 17 votes

    Easy Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

    This pumpkin tomato sauce is easy to make in under 30 minutes using pantry ingredients. It's also vegan-friendly, gluten-free and has no added sugar. Perfect over pasta, zucchini noodles or even on pizza!
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Italian
    Keyword dairy-free, gluten free, grain-free, pumpkin, tomato sauce, vegan, vegetarian
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes
    Servings 6
    Calories 101kcal
    Author Sherri Hall

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoon diced shallot
    • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
    • 1 cup pumpkin puree
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
    • Β½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ΒΌ teaspoon nutmeg
    • ΒΌ teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste, if desired

    Instructions

    • Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a 3- or 4-quart saucepan. 
    • Add diced shallot and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shallot becomes translucent.
    • Add crushed tomatoes, pumpkin puree, parsley, oregano, nutmeg and kosher salt. Stir to combine.
    • Cover and cook on medium for 20 minutes. 
    • Turn off the heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes before removing the cover as the sauce will splatter as it cooks due to the thickness. Add more salt to taste, if desired. Stir well before serving.

    (Please refer to the post above for instructional photographs and other helpful information for this recipe)

    Notes

    To pair with pasta: Use 12-16 ounces of traditional or gluten-free pasta, depending on how much sauce to pasta you prefer.
    The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Information shown should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
    Nutrition calculation is for the sauce alone. It does not include any pasta or toppings.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Fiber: 4g
    Never miss a recipe!Subscribe to our newsletter

    This post originally appeared on Watch Learn Eat on October 30, 2018. It has been republished to reflect both recipe and photo revisions. Changes to the story were also made. 

    ©Watch Learn Eat. All content and images are copyright protected. Recipes and images are not to be used or republished without prior permission. If you adapt this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, and link back to this post for the original recipe.

    « Pumpkin Pie Truffles
    Vegan Pumpkin Pie Smoothie »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anna Hettick

      November 02, 2018 at 4:05 pm

      5 stars
      Yes, please! Why does everything have to have sugar in it! This pumpkin tomato sauce looks like it's be great with my favorite gluten-free noodles!!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        November 06, 2018 at 11:44 am

        Agreed Anna! There's definitely no need for the sugar in this sauce. Thanks so much!

        Reply
    2. Kiki Johnson

      November 02, 2018 at 3:55 pm

      5 stars
      I actually really enjoy this brand of red lentil noodles and will try them with your pumpkin tomato sauce next time! The perfect fall recipe - with plenty of parm on top per favore!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        November 06, 2018 at 11:44 am

        Thanks Kiki! Definitely need that parm on top! πŸ™‚ Hope you enjoy the sauce!

        Reply
    3. Anna

      November 01, 2018 at 5:46 am

      5 stars
      Such a great idea to add pumpkin to tomato sauce! I've been adding pumpkin to most of my bakes and salads this year, but would never think of adding some to the tomato sauce! Saving this one for sure to try very soon!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        November 01, 2018 at 11:26 am

        Thank you Anna! I hope you enjoy it! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    4. David @ Spiced

      October 31, 2018 at 7:43 am

      I remember that last pasta post using pumpkin, and I remember being super intrigued by that one. Well, you did it again! I love pasta sauce, and the addition of pumpkin here sounds really cool. In my head, it would be a little bit like vodka sauce since it's sweeter? This one is perfect for these busy weeknights! Thanks for sharing this fun one, Sherri!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        November 01, 2018 at 11:25 am

        Thanks David! Funny you brought up vodka sauce...I thought about adding vodka to it since it kind of reminded me of it too. πŸ™‚ Yay for pumpkin!

        Reply
    5. Kelly Anthony

      October 31, 2018 at 6:21 am

      5 stars
      The sauce has such a thick and hearty texture to it! So perfect for the fall!!!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        November 01, 2018 at 11:24 am

        Thanks Kelly! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    6. Carrie Ditton

      October 31, 2018 at 12:11 am

      5 stars
      What a great idea to add pumpkin to the sauce. This is extra thick and creamy and all around amazing!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        November 01, 2018 at 11:23 am

        Thank you Carrie! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    7. Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness

      October 30, 2018 at 9:59 pm

      5 stars
      I like the combination of the tomato and pumpkin in this sauce. Looks so thick and creamy.

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        November 01, 2018 at 11:23 am

        Thanks so much, Dawn! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    8. ali randall

      October 30, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      I never would have thought to create a pumpkin tomato sauce but this sounds delicious and perfect for fall. Love discovering new recipes πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        October 30, 2018 at 4:14 pm

        Thanks so much, Ali! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    9. Cliona Keane

      October 30, 2018 at 12:49 pm

      5 stars
      What a great way to use up leftover pumpkin! I love this, such a great twist on a classic dish.

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        October 30, 2018 at 4:13 pm

        Yes, we have lots of pumpkin over here! Thanks Cliona!

        Reply
    10. Lisa Bynum

      October 30, 2018 at 12:32 pm

      5 stars
      I bet the addition of the pumpkin really amps up the richness factor. That plate of pasta looks so tempting. I wish I had some for lunch right now!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        October 30, 2018 at 8:01 pm

        Thanks Lisa! Wish I could send you some πŸ™‚

        Reply
    11. Caroline

      October 30, 2018 at 12:29 pm

      Sounds like a tasty twist on your classic tomato sauce.

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        October 30, 2018 at 12:34 pm

        Yes, thanks so much, Caroline!

        Reply
    12. Jacqueline Debono

      October 30, 2018 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      Love the idea of adding pumpkin puree to tomato sauce for pasta. Never tried that but need to!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        October 30, 2018 at 12:33 pm

        Thanks Jacqueline! It adds a nice flavor to it. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Sherri

    About Sherri

    Founder, Author, Recipe Developer, & Photographer

    With a lifelong passion for cooking, I specialize in creating easy meatless meals that are omnivore-approved!

    Learn more about me

    Popular

    • Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies
    • Roasted Sunflower Seeds (Kernels)
    • 24 Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes
    • Creamy White Bean Soup [Vegan]

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Affiliate Disclosures

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    This website generates income via ads.

    Copyright Β© 2022 Watch Learn Eat | Hall Media LLC