Description
Creamy Pumpkin and Sage Pasta is a cozy fall-inspired dish that combines the sweetness of pumpkin with a creamy, savory sauce, and the earthy flavor of fresh sage. It’s a perfect comfort food that’s both easy to make and full of seasonal flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite type)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
1/2 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Fresh sage leaves, about 8-10 leaves
1 tbsp butter (for crispy sage)
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the pumpkin sauce: Stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, and heavy cream into the skillet. Add the nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Crispy sage: While the sauce is simmering, heat butter in a separate small pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the sage leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes until crispy. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pumpkin sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with crispy sage leaves, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or kale to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute in place of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan cheese to make it dairy-free.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the pumpkin sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy: Top the finished dish with a bit of melted mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a cheesy version of this dish.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg