Description
This creamy and flavorful pumpkin pasta recipe is perfect for a cozy autumn meal. With a rich pumpkin purée sauce enhanced by garlic, sage, parmesan, and a hint of vinegar, it offers a deliciously unique twist on traditional pasta dishes. Topped with crunchy walnuts and roasted pepitas for texture, it’s a delightful vegetarian dish that can be made in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, linguini)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 3-4 fresh sage leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Add-Ins & Toppings
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 Tablespoons roasted pepitas
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Garlic: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium, then add pumpkin purée, milk, vinegar, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to the pan.
- Whisk & Simmer: Whisk the mixture quickly to combine and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Sage & Parmesan: Whisk in fresh or dried sage leaves along with grated parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce.
- Whisk: Turn off the heat and continue whisking for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken gently.
- Add Spinach & Pasta: Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted, then toss in the cooked pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Add Toppings: Top the pasta with chopped walnuts, roasted pepitas, extra parmesan if desired, and garnish with additional sage leaves.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use fresh sage for a more vibrant flavor, but dried sage is a good substitute.
- For a creamier sauce, substitute regular milk with cream or plant-based milk alternatives.
- The roasted pepitas and walnuts add a nice crunch; feel free to toast them lightly for extra flavor.
- This recipe is vegetarian, but not vegan due to parmesan cheese; use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to make it vegan.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference and the saltiness of the broth and cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired