Description
This Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful fall-inspired dish featuring tender pasta coated in a rich pumpkin and cream cheese sauce, infused with fresh sage and garlic. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with aromatic herbs and a delightful crunch from toasted pepitas.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Pasta (Use your favorite type)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter (High-quality variety)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 medium Shallots (Chopped)
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (Unflavored)
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (Or Goat Cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Sage (Chopped)
- to taste Kosher Salt
- to taste Fresh Pepper
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons Chives (Chopped)
- 1/4 cup Toasted Pepitas
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about one cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped shallots and minced garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add Pumpkin Puree: Stir in the pumpkin puree and mix thoroughly to combine with the sautéed aromatics.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Cheese and Sage: Whisk in the cream cheese or goat cheese along with the chopped fresh sage. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss thoroughly to ensure each noodle is well coated with the pumpkin sage sauce. Season with kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pumpkin sage pasta and garnish with toasted pepitas and chopped chives. Serve warm for a cozy fall meal.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
- To toast pepitas, simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned.
- For a tangier flavor, substitute goat cheese for cream cheese.
- Reserved pasta water helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency and helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
