Savory Pumpkin Penne Delight
This Savory Pumpkin Penne Delight transforms humble pumpkin into a rich and creamy pasta dish that's sure to impress the whole family! Unlike typical pumpkin desserts, this dish brings out the warm, earthy flavors of pumpkin, perfectly complemented by sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of spice. Made with homemade pumpkin puree for an authentic taste, it combines hearty pasta with a luscious sauce, making it a wonderful one-dish meal for any occasion. Topped with fresh parsley and Romano cheese, it offers a delightful visual appeal, reminiscent of classic comfort foods but with a healthy twist that your kids will love.
N/A
Servings
217
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
butter
2 tablespoons
pumpkin puree
2 cups
chicken broth
2 cups (made from bouillon)
heavy cream
1/4 cup
sour cream
1/2 cup
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
white pepper
1/4 teaspoon
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
Romano cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
penne or rotini pasta
1 lb
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt before adding the finely chopped onion.
2
Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes translucent, then add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, taking care not to let it brown.
3
Once the onion and garlic are softened, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to maintain a creamy consistency.
5
While the pumpkin sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne or rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
6
After draining the pasta, stir it directly into the pumpkin sauce, mixing well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7
Gently fold in the minced parsley and allow everything to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8
Serve hot, garnished with shredded Romano cheese, more fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for added crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
25g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pumpkin Penne Delight?
It is a rich and creamy pasta dish that transforms pumpkin into a savory meal with onions, garlic, and earthy spices.
Is this a dessert recipe?
No, this is a savory dish that focuses on the warm, earthy flavors of pumpkin rather than sweetness.
How long should the pumpkin sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 10 minutes to maintain a creamy consistency.
What types of pasta work best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using penne or rotini pasta.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using homemade pumpkin puree for an authentic taste.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 217 calories per serving.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a healthy twist on comfort food that kids will love.
What kind of cheese is used for the garnish?
The dish is garnished with shredded Romano cheese.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped before being sautéed.
What type of broth is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chicken broth made from bouillon.
How much heavy cream is added?
The sauce requires 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
Does the recipe include sour cream?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of sour cream for added creaminess.
What spice gives it a warm flavor?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
What type of pepper is recommended?
White pepper is used, specifically 1/4 teaspoon.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Garnish with shredded Romano cheese, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are translucent.
How long should the garlic be cooked?
Cook the minced garlic for an additional 1 to 2 minutes after the onions are ready.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the total fat content?
The fat content is 11 grams.
How much protein is in the dish?
There are 8 grams of protein per serving.
How much fresh parsley is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley.
What heat level should I use to start the skillet?
Begin by heating the skillet over medium heat.
When do I add the pumpkin puree?
Whisk in the pumpkin puree after the onion and garlic have softened and the heat is reduced to low.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
How long is the final simmer?
The dish should simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes after the pasta and parsley are folded in.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients used in this recipe.