Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of fall with this creamy pumpkin pasta dish featuring savory Italian sausage, fragrant nutmeg, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. A comforting and satisfying meal perfect for autumn nights.
Ingredients
Pasta:
12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rigatoni),
Italian Sausage:
1 pound (mild or spicy, casings removed),
Miscellaneous:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small yellow onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and black pepper to taste, chopped fresh sage or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté sausage and aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the Italian sausage until browned. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Make the sauce: Add pumpkin puree and chicken broth to the skillet. Simmer gently, then add heavy cream, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water. Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with sage or parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Try swapping Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
