Imagine a dish that captures the essence of fall in every single bite - creamy, rich, and absolutely irresistible! This Pumpkin Alfredo with Cheese Tortellini is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet celebration. With its velvety pumpkin sauce, perfectly cooked tortellini, and a hint of Parmesan magic, this recipe will have your family and friends begging for seconds before they've even finished their first serving.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the pasta's flavor.
- Carefully add the cheese tortellini to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions, typically 7-9 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and floating at the surface.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pumpkin Alfredo sauce. In a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream, pumpkin puree, and garlic powder over medium heat.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Ensure the mixture is heated evenly and begins to simmer gently.
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to whisk until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed. Keep the sauce warm on low heat.
- Once the tortellini are cooked, drain them in a colander, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.
- Add the drained tortellini directly into the pumpkin Alfredo sauce, gently tossing to coat each pasta piece completely.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the most vibrant flavor. Fresh Parmesan cheese can make a significant difference compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Don't overcook the tortellini - they should be tender but still have a slight bite. Test them a minute before the package instructions suggest.
- Whisk the sauce constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water to thin it out. The starchy water helps bind the sauce and adds extra flavor.
- For a luxurious touch, garnish with fresh chopped herbs like sage or thyme to enhance the autumn feel of the dish.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - try adding crispy pancetta or toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
