Indulge your taste buds in a creamy, dreamy delight with our Pasta with Pumpkin Cream Sauce! This Italian-inspired dish is not just a feast for the palate; it's a celebration of autumn flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can transform simple ingredients into a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or simply treat yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Read on to discover how to make this irresistible dish that combines the warmth of pumpkin with the richness of cream and Parmesan!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add pumpkin puree to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
- Sprinkle dried sage into the sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Stir continuously and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the pumpkin cream sauce. Toss gently to coat every pasta strand evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh sage if desired. Enjoy while hot.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While any pasta will work, opt for shapes like fettuccine or penne that hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor, use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth or milk.
- Sautéing Garlic: Be cautious when sautéing garlic; it can burn quickly. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently for the best flavor.
- Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning of your sauce. A little extra sage or a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavors even more.
- Garnish for Presentation: Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh sage or additional Parmesan cheese to make it visually appealing.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.Enjoy cooking this delightful dish and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 85mg
