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The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 3 reviews

This creamy and flavorful pumpkin pasta recipe combines tender pasta with a rich pumpkin sauce infused with garlic, sage, and parmesan. Enhanced with fresh spinach, crunchy walnuts, and roasted pepitas, this easy 30-minute dish offers a comforting and unique twist on traditional pasta dinners, perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy meal.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, linguini)

For the Pumpkin 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

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 Tablespoons roasted pepitas
  • Extra parmesan for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
  2. Cook Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add Ingredients: Lower the heat to medium, then add pumpkin purée, milk, white wine vinegar, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to the pan.
  4. Whisk & Simmer: Whisk the mixture quickly to combine all ingredients smoothly. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 4-5 minutes to develop flavor.
  5. Add Sage & Parmesan: Stir in the sage leaves and grated parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to incorporate and melt the cheese into the sauce.
  6. Whisk: Turn off the heat and continue whisking the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and become creamy.
  7. Add Spinach & Pasta: Stir fresh spinach into the warm sauce until it wilts, then add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together to coat thoroughly with the pumpkin sauce.
  8. Add Toppings: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and top with chopped walnuts, roasted pepitas, extra parmesan if desired, and garnish with additional sage leaves for freshness and crunch.
  9. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting pumpkin pasta dish while warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute the milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version, adjusting parmesan accordingly.
  • If fresh sage is unavailable, dried sage works well but use half the amount as it is more concentrated.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat in the sauce.
  • To make this recipe vegetarian, ensure the parmesan used is vegetarian-friendly or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Walnuts and pepitas add nice texture contrast but can be omitted or swapped with other nuts/seeds.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/the-best-pumpkin-pasta-recipe/