Description
This Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful fall dinner that’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes. Featuring al dente pasta tossed in a luscious pumpkin and cream cheese sauce infused with garlic, shallots, and fresh sage, it’s topped with crunchy toasted pepitas and fresh chives for a perfect balance of textures and autumnal flavors.
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)
Toppings and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Chives (Chopped)
- 1/4 cup Toasted Pepitas
- To taste Kosher Salt
- To taste Fresh Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about one cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- 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 softened but not browned.
- Add pumpkin puree: Stir in the pumpkin puree thoroughly, combining it evenly with the sautéed ingredients.
- Create sauce consistency: Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, 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 completely into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the drained cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat each noodle with the pumpkin sage sauce. Season to taste with kosher salt and fresh pepper.
- 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 penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
- For a tangier flavor, goat cheese can be substituted for cream cheese.
- Reserved pasta water contains starch which helps to thicken and bind the sauce.
- Toast pepitas in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
