Description
Silky smooth creamy pumpkin pasta delivers autumn’s warmth in one comforting bowl. Rich flavors of roasted pumpkin and parmesan create a delightful Italian-inspired dinner you’ll savor with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch nutmeg
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta thoroughly and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
- Pour pumpkin puree into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. Gradually incorporate heavy cream, creating a smooth, velvety base for the sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the mixture, whisking constantly to ensure even melting and integration. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a delicate hint of nutmeg for depth of flavor.
- Reduce heat to low and allow sauce to simmer gently for 5-6 minutes, stirring periodically. The sauce will thicken and develop a rich, luxurious consistency.
- Add cooked pasta directly into the pumpkin cream sauce, gently folding to ensure each strand is completely coated. If sauce seems too thick, splash in reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh herbs like chopped parsley or sage for enhanced visual appeal and flavor.
Notes
- Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions and add extra nutrition.
- Enhance the sauce’s richness by roasting garlic before adding it, which deepens the flavor profile and provides a subtle sweetness.
- Balance the creamy texture by adding a splash of white wine or vegetable broth to create a lighter, more complex sauce.
- Boost nutritional value by incorporating sautéed spinach or kale directly into the sauce, introducing extra vitamins and a vibrant green color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg