Description
A cozy yet light pasta dish with savory sausage, creamy pumpkin sauce, and aromatic herbs — perfect for weeknights or fall gatherings.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine) – the base that soaks up the sauce
- Italian Sausage: 12 ounces (mild or spicy, casings removed) – brings savory, meaty richness
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – for sautéing and depth
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – adds aromatic punch
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped – builds the sauce base
- Pumpkin Purée: 1 cup – lends creamy texture and subtle sweetness
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup – thins the sauce and adds savory depth
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup – makes the sauce velvety
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated – adds salty umami
- Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon – enhances pumpkin’s natural sweetness
- Fresh Sage: 1 tablespoon, chopped – gives earthy warmth
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste – balances flavors
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for pasta.
- Combine Ingredients: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, cooking until browned. Stir in onion and garlic until softened.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add pumpkin purée, chicken broth, and cream. Season with nutmeg, sage, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish: Cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Toss pasta with sauce, adding water if needed.
- Cook to Perfection: Let pasta absorb sauce for 2 minutes on low heat. Stir in Parmesan until creamy.
- Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with sage and extra cheese.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot in bowls with a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce texture
- Use fresh sage for the best aroma
- Don’t overcook pasta — keep it al dente
- Spicy sausage adds a bold twist
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg