Description
Creamy Parmesan Pumpkin Pasta is the perfect dish to celebrate the flavors of fall while indulging in a comforting meal. In just 20 minutes, this creamy delight combines rich pumpkin puree with freshly grated parmesan, creating a savory sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this versatile dish can be served solo or paired with proteins like chicken or Italian sausage for a heartier meal. With its mild taste and creamy texture, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Embrace autumn with this easy-to-make recipe that’s destined to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 yellow onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté diced onion and optional red pepper flakes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in pumpkin puree and sauté for one minute before adding heavy cream. Whisk until smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, sage, nutmeg, and brown sugar, simmering for about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in parmesan cheese gradually until melted and creamy.
- Toss cooked rigatoni in the pumpkin sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve hot with extra parmesan and cracked black pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients like garlic and herbs for enhanced flavor. Experiment with spices such as thyme or rosemary for added depth. For lighter options, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.