Autumn Harvest Penne with Pumpkin and Sage
Embrace the flavors of fall with this delightful Autumn Harvest Penne, a comforting pasta dish that combines creamy pumpkin puree with aromatic sage and a hint of heat from hot pepper sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this dish can be elevated by adding succulent browned sweet sausage, creating an irresistible blend of savory and seasonal goodness. Served with a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, this hearty dish is both satisfying and delicious, bringing the warmth of autumn to your dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
salt
to taste (for boiling pasta)
whole wheat penne rigate
1 lb (cooked until al dente)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
shallots
3 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (grated)
chicken broth
2 cups (used as a cooking liquid)
pumpkin puree
15 ounces (canned)
heavy cream
1/2 cup (added for creaminess)
hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon (for a kick of heat)
ground cinnamon
2 pinches (for seasoning)
nutmeg
1 pinch (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (freshly cracked for seasoning)
fresh sage leaves
7 (thinly sliced)
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
to taste (for serving, grated)
sweet sausage
optional - 1 lb (browned and crumbled, to mix in)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously salt the water and add the whole wheat penne rigate. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and grated garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and soft, about 5 minutes.
3
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the pumpkin puree and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the hot pepper sauce, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Season the mixture with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
4
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Stir in the thinly sliced fresh sage just before combining with the pasta.
5
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked penne with the pumpkin sauce until well-coated. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on the side for guests to add as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autumn Harvest Penne with Pumpkin and Sage?
It is a comforting seasonal pasta dish that combines creamy pumpkin puree with aromatic sage and whole wheat penne.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of whole wheat penne rigate cooked until al dente.
How do I prepare the pasta?
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, salt it generously, and cook the penne according to package instructions.
What are the primary aromatics used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 3 finely chopped shallots and 3 grated garlic cloves.
How much pumpkin puree is needed?
The recipe requires 15 ounces of canned pumpkin puree.
What liquids are used to create the creamy sauce?
The base of the sauce consists of 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
Does this recipe have any spice or heat?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce for a hint of heat.
Which warm spices are used to season the dish?
The dish is seasoned with 2 pinches of ground cinnamon and 1 pinch of nutmeg.
How many sage leaves should I use?
The recipe uses 7 fresh sage leaves that should be thinly sliced.
When is the fresh sage added to the sauce?
Stir in the fresh sage just before combining the sauce with the cooked pasta.
What is the recommended protein addition?
You can add 1 lb of browned and crumbled sweet sausage to elevate the dish.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should I sauté the shallots and garlic?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become fragrant and soft.
How long does the pumpkin sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer gently for about 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
What type of cheese is served with this penne?
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is served on the side for guests to add as desired.
Is the garlic chopped or crushed?
The recipe specifies that the garlic should be grated.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
Serve immediately once the pasta is tossed with the sauce and well-coated.
Can I use regular penne instead of whole wheat?
Yes, though the recipe suggests whole wheat penne rigate for a heartier texture.
How many shallots do I need to chop?
You will need 3 shallots for this recipe.
Is the pumpkin puree fresh or canned?
The recipe ingredients specify using canned pumpkin puree.
How much hot pepper sauce is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce.
What is the purpose of the chicken broth?
Chicken broth is used as the primary cooking liquid to build the sauce profile.
How do I prepare the sweet sausage if using it?
The sausage should be browned and crumbled before being mixed into the pasta.
Should the pepper be pre-ground?
The recipe recommends using freshly cracked pepper to taste.
Is this a quick meal option?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a hearty seasonal pasta dish.
What texture should the pasta have?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
Does the recipe use a lot of salt?
Salt is used generously in the boiling water and added to the sauce to taste.
How do I combine the pasta and sauce?
Toss the cooked penne in a large mixing bowl with the pumpkin sauce until it is well-coated.
What kind of dinner is this best for?
It is described as perfect for cozy family dinners and autumn gatherings.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your preference for heat.