Description

This creamy pumpkin pasta recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for fall or any time you crave a rich, savory sauce with a hint of sweetness. Made with pumpkin purée, fresh sage, garlic, and parmesan, it combines simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal. Topped with crunchy walnuts and roasted pepitas, it adds a delightful texture contrast to the silky pumpkin sauce.

Ingredients

Pasta

8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, linguini)

Sauce

1/4 cup olive oil
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup pumpkin purée
2 Tablespoons milk
1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
3/4 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
3-4 fresh sage leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage)
1/2 cup grated parmesan

Additions

2 cups spinach
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 Tablespoons roasted pepitas

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add Ingredients: Reduce the heat to medium, then add the pumpkin purée, milk, white wine vinegar, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to the pan.
Whisk & Simmer: Whisk the mixture quickly to combine the sauce ingredients, then let it simmer for 4-5 minutes to develop the flavors and slightly reduce.
Add Sage & Parmesan: Add the fresh or dried sage leaves and the grated parmesan to the sauce, whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
Thicken Sauce: Turn off the heat and continue to whisk for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken just a bit.
Add Spinach & Pasta: Stir the fresh spinach into the sauce, letting it wilt slightly, then add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the pumpkin sauce.
Add Toppings: Top the pumpkin pasta with chopped walnuts, roasted pepitas, extra parmesan if desired, and garnish with additional sage leaves for a beautiful finish.
Enjoy! Serve warm and enjoy this comforting pumpkin pasta meal.

Notes

Use fresh sage for the best flavor, but dried sage is a good substitute.
You can substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
Roasted pepitas add a nice crunch, but you can omit or swap them for toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds.
This dish pairs well with a light green salad or crusty bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American