Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta Delight
Indulge in this creamy pumpkin sage pasta sauce that beautifully combines the earthy flavors of pumpkin with the aromatic essence of fresh rosemary and garlic. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is not only healthy but can also be elevated with the addition of savory Italian sausage, making it a comforting treat for any occasion. Using only pure pumpkin puree ensures a rich texture without added sugars, and the whole wheat pasta adds a hearty touch. Serve this dish warm, garnished with crispy rosemary for a delightful crunch and enjoy a comforting hug in a bowl!
4
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole wheat penne
12-16 ounces (Dry, Cook according to package directions)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons (Coarsely chopped)
Pumpkin puree
2 cups (Homemade or canned)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Half-and-half
1/2 cup (N/A)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/3-1/2 cup (Or Romano)
Apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Black pepper
to taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat penne according to the package directions until al dente, then drain, reserving 2 cups of the cooking water. Keep the pasta warm.
2
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped fresh rosemary to the oil and sauté until it becomes fragrant and begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Remove the rosemary from the oil and set it aside on a paper towel to drain.
3
In the same saucepan with the hot oil, add the pumpkin puree, minced garlic, half-and-half, grated cheese, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and 1 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add more of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season the sauce generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
4
Toss the warm cooked pasta into the creamy pumpkin sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Serve immediately, garnished with the crispy fried rosemary on top.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
57g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta Delight?
It is a healthy, comforting pasta dish that combines pure pumpkin puree with aromatic rosemary, garlic, and whole wheat penne.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written, though savory Italian sausage can be added for extra protein if desired.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 12 to 16 ounces of whole wheat penne.
Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes, you can use either homemade or canned pumpkin puree, provided it is pure pumpkin without added sugars.
How do I make the rosemary crispy?
Sauté chopped fresh rosemary in olive oil for about 2 minutes until fragrant and brown, then drain on a paper towel.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish provides 14 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this pasta dish?
There are 57 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of cheese should I use?
You can use grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Why is apple cider vinegar included in the sauce?
Apple cider vinegar is used to add a touch of acidity that balances the creamy pumpkin flavors.
How much garlic does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add more of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
How much pasta water should I reserve?
You should reserve 2 cups of the cooking water before draining the pasta.
Is this recipe spicy?
It includes 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which adds a very mild heat that can be adjusted to taste.
How long does it take to cook the sauce?
The sauce only needs to be heated through for about 2 to 3 minutes once the ingredients are combined.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No, you must use pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that would not suit this savory dish.
What is the purpose of frying the rosemary first?
Frying the rosemary infuses the olive oil with flavor and creates a crispy garnish for the final dish.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Key tags include pumpkin sauce, pasta, healthy dinner, creamy pasta, vegetarian, and comfort food.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, the description suggests that savory Italian sausage is a great addition to elevate the dish.
Is half-and-half necessary?
Half-and-half provides the creamy texture of the sauce; 1/2 cup is required for the recipe.
What is the recommended pasta cooking doneness?
The whole wheat penne should be cooked until al dente.
Does this recipe use salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and black pepper should be added to the sauce to taste.
What is the serving size?
The specific serving size in weight is not provided, but the recipe is designed to be divided into 4 equal portions.
Is this a good autumn recipe?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as an autumn recipe due to its use of pumpkin and savory herbs.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much cheese is added to the sauce?
The recipe suggests using between 1/3 and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Can I use fresh sage instead of rosemary?
While the title mentions sage, the ingredient list and instructions specifically use fresh rosemary for the flavor profile.
What garnish is used?
The dish is garnished with the crispy fried rosemary that was prepared at the beginning of the recipe.