When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to blush, it’s time to welcome the flavors of fall into your kitchen. Pumpkin Sage Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish for the season. Velvety pumpkin sauce, earthy sage, and a touch of nutmeg combine to create a dish that's hearty, aromatic, and irresistibly cozy. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself to a warm bowl of pasta, this recipe will fill both your home and heart with autumnal magic.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish. Don’t forget to use fresh sage and canned pure pumpkin purée for the best results!
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite type)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 fresh sage leaves (whole, plus 2 additional leaves finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a touch of warmth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Follow these steps to bring the magic of Pumpkin Sage Pasta to life!
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Sizzle the Sage
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the whole sage leaves and fry for about 1-2 minutes until crispy. Remove and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate. They’ll make the perfect garnish later!
3. Make the Sauce Base
Using the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and chopped sage. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
4. Create the Pumpkin Sauce
Stir in the pumpkin purée, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, nutmeg, and cinnamon (if using). Mix well, letting the flavors meld together. Simmer on low heat for 4-5 minutes, thinning the sauce with the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
5. Season and Finalize
Taste the sauce and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if preferred. Toss in the cooked pasta, making sure each strand is generously coated in the silky pumpkin goodness.
6. Garnish and Serve
Divide the pasta into bowls and top each serving with the crispy sage leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and some toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of fall!
Tips for Customization
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp to the sauce.
- Make It Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of cream for a vegan-friendly version and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
- Spice It Up: If you love bold flavors, add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Switch the Pasta: While long pasta pairs beautifully, this sauce also works great with penne, rigatoni, or even gnocchi.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to round out the meal. A glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a warm spiced cider will perfectly complement the cozy flavors of the dish.
Pumpkin Sage Pasta isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fall in every bite. The creamy sauce, the inviting aroma of sage, and the warm spices make this dish a must-try for the season. Whether you’re entertaining or looking for a quick, satisfying dinner, this recipe is sure to win hearts.
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