Creamy Pumpkin Penne Primavera
Savor the autumn flavors with this Creamy Pumpkin Penne Primavera, a delightful dish that combines the earthiness of pumpkin with vibrant vegetables. I created this recipe inspired by my homegrown pumpkins and a classic Gourmet Magazine dish, ensuring a creamy, rich texture that is both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this pasta dish serves two but can easily be scaled up for gatherings. With the blend of fresh ingredients and a hint of nutmeg, it's a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of the year. Enjoy with freshly grated parmesan for an added touch of creaminess!
2
Servings
400
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1/2 (chopped fine)
Red bell pepper
1/2 (chopped fine)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Canned solid-pack pumpkin
1/2 cup
Chicken broth
1 cup
Water
1/2 cup
Heavy cream
2 tablespoons
Nutmeg
to taste (freshly grated)
Penne pasta
1/2 lb (cooked al dente)
Fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (minced)
Parmesan cheese
as needed (freshly grated for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over moderate heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the canned pumpkin, chicken broth, water, and heavy cream. Season with freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
3
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it does not stick to the pan.
4
While the sauce is simmering, bring a kettle of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes.
5
Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the penne well.
6
Add the drained penne to the pumpkin sauce in the skillet. Cook over moderate heat, stirring to coat the pasta with sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, incorporate some of the reserved pasta water, adjusting to your desired consistency.
7
Just before serving, mix in the minced fresh parsley leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
8
Plate the pasta and serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese as desired.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
50g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pumpkin Penne Primavera?
Creamy Pumpkin Penne Primavera is a flavorful autumn-inspired pasta dish that combines the earthiness of pumpkin with vibrant vegetables and a rich, creamy sauce.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features savory pumpkin, sweet red bell pepper, aromatic garlic, and a hint of warm nutmeg.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people, but it can be easily scaled up for larger groups.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, while the recipe calls for chicken broth, you can simply substitute it with vegetable broth to make it fully vegetarian.
What type of pumpkin is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of canned solid-pack pumpkin for the best consistency.
How long does it take to cook the vegetables?
The onion, red bell pepper, and garlic should be cooked in butter for about 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
What ingredients make up the sauce base?
The sauce is made from a blend of canned pumpkin, chicken broth, water, and heavy cream.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe suggests using penne pasta, ideally 1/2 lb cooked to an al dente texture.
How long does the penne pasta typically take to cook?
Following package instructions, it usually takes about 10-12 minutes to reach an al dente state.
Why should I reserve pasta cooking water?
The reserved water can be used to thin the sauce and adjust it to your desired consistency if it becomes too thick.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 400 calories in each of the two servings.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains about 15g of fat.
What is the protein content of this meal?
This dish provides 12.5g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 50g of carbohydrates.
What spice is used to enhance the autumn profile?
Freshly grated nutmeg is used to provide a characteristic fall flavor.
When should the fresh parsley be added?
Minced fresh parsley should be mixed in just before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Is this dish considered a quick meal?
Yes, with short prep and cook times, it is categorized as a quick meal and an easy dinner option.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter, but if you use salted, be sure to adjust the amount of added salt later.
What garnish is recommended for serving?
It is best served garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
The creator was inspired by homegrown pumpkins and a classic dish from Gourmet Magazine.
How should the red bell pepper be prepared?
The red bell pepper should be chopped fine before cooking.
Is this a comfort food dish?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for cozy dinners.
How much heavy cream is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to add richness to the sauce.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While penne is traditional for this recipe, other tubular or short pastas would also hold the creamy sauce well.
Is fresh pumpkin an option?
While the recipe specifies canned, you could use pureed fresh pumpkin, though it may change the water content of the sauce.
How do I ensure the sauce doesn't stick?
Stir the sauce occasionally while it is simmering over moderate heat to prevent sticking.
Should the pasta be rinsed?
No, you should drain the penne well but do not rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
What makes the sauce 'primavera'?
The inclusion of fresh vegetables like onion and red bell pepper gives it the 'primavera' style.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients in this Creamy Pumpkin Penne Primavera recipe.