Description
This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is the ultimate fall comfort food, featuring a velvety, nutrient-rich sauce made from pure pumpkin puree, aromatic garlic, and fresh sage. It is a harmonious blend of rustic Italian noodle traditions and seasonal harvest flavors. This dish is quick to prepare, vegetarian-friendly, and offers a soul-warming experience that is both balanced and deeply satisfying for those seeking a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguini)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup pumpkin purée
2 tablespoons milk or plant-based alternative
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon fresh sage, minced
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
While pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and fresh sage, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the pumpkin purée, vegetable broth, milk, and apple cider vinegar, whisking until smooth.
Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles.
Toss the pasta directly into the skillet with the pumpkin sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately topped with chopped toasted walnuts.
Notes
Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. For a vegan version, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. The toasted walnuts provide a crucial textural crunch that complements the velvety sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg