Description
This Pumpkin and Sage Pasta is a comforting and dairy-free dish that combines tender pumpkin puree with fragrant fried sage leaves and a creamy coconut milk sauce. Perfect as a hearty and flavorful vegan meal, this recipe uses gluten-free rigatoni pasta and is topped with vegan parmesan and optional walnuts for added texture and richness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb gluten-free rigatoni pasta
- Extra salt for the pasta water
Pumpkin Sauce
- 3 lbs pumpkin, cubed
- 14 oz coconut milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for frying sage
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
Garnish
- 6 sage leaves
- 4 tbsp vegan parmesan cheese
- Walnuts, optional
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients required for the dish to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Prepare Pumpkin: Slice the pumpkin into cubes to facilitate even cooking.
- Cook Pumpkin: Boil the cubed pumpkin for 15 minutes or until it becomes soft. Once cooked, remove the skin to retain only the tender flesh.
- Make Pumpkin Puree: Place the cooked pumpkin flesh into a blender. Add coconut milk, olive oil, garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fry Sage Leaves: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Fry the sage leaves until they become dark and crisp. Remove and place them on paper towels to drain and dry.
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot filled with salted water, bring to a boil. Cook the gluten-free rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta once cooked.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour the pumpkin puree into the frying pan over medium heat. Add smoked paprika and cook the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the pumpkin sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the rigatoni evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with vegan parmesan cheese, fried sage leaves, and optional walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- The pumpkin skin should be removed after boiling for a smoother puree and better texture.
- Frying the sage leaves until crisp intensifies their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the dish.
- Use salted water to cook the pasta to enhance its flavor.
- Walnuts are optional but add a pleasant crunch and additional nutrients.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for those dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired