Description
A velvety, orange-hued pasta dish combining canned pumpkin puree, fresh sage, and Parmesan cheese. This vegetarian comfort meal comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Penne or Rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon Salt (for pasta water)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 tablespoon Dried Sage OR 20-25 Fresh Sage Leaves
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 can (15oz / 425g) 100% Canned Pumpkin Puree
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Low-sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
- Freshly cracked Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Mince garlic, measure sage, and grate Parmesan. Ensure pumpkin and cream are at room temperature.
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sage leaves; cook fresh sage until crispy (1 min) or warm dried sage. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown.
- Reduce heat to low. Whisk pumpkin puree into the butter and sage until smooth. Add heavy cream and broth, whisking until uniform and slightly thickened. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, tossing until melted. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if too thick or thin.
- Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and optional olive oil or fresh herbs.
Notes
Ensure you use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain a savory flavor. Save the starchy pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. Add cheese off the heat or on very low heat to prevent it from becoming grainy. A pinch of nutmeg enhances the pumpkin flavor without making it taste like dessert.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: pumpkin pasta, sage pasta, weeknight dinner, vegetarian recipe, fall recipes, easy pasta, comfort food, 15 minute meals