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- Canned pumpkin puree: This gives the dish its rich flavor and creamy texture. You can find it in most grocery stores. - Heavy cream: This adds a luscious creaminess that makes the sauce comforting and indulgent. - Fresh sage & spices: Fresh sage brings an earthy note. Nutmeg, salt, and black pepper enhance the overall taste. - Pasta choice and optional garnishes: I suggest using fettuccine, but any pasta works. Toasted pumpkin seeds add lovely crunch and flavor. When I make creamy pumpkin sage pasta, I always keep these ingredients handy. The canned pumpkin puree is my star ingredient, providing that lovely autumn taste. Heavy cream turns the sauce velvety, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Fresh sage adds a touch of herbal brightness. For spices, nutmeg brings a cozy warmth. Salt and black pepper help balance all the flavors. I often choose fettuccine for its wide shape, which holds the creamy sauce well. If you want to impress, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top. They add a delightful crunch and look great on the plate. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the cooking process. Enjoy creating this lush and comforting dish! To cook the pasta, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 12 oz of your pasta. I like using fettuccine, but any pasta works. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. This means it should still have a little bite. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. This water is starchy and helps the sauce stick better. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce. For the sauce, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Adding the oil at medium heat helps the onions cook without burning. Once the oil is hot, add 1 small finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. Next, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage. Cook this mixture for another 1 to 2 minutes. This helps release the flavors of the garlic and sage, making your sauce fragrant and tasty. Now it’s time to make the sauce creamy. Add 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree to the skillet. Then pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth. Stir well to combine these ingredients, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly. This helps create a smooth sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce is heated through and well combined. If it seems too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Finally, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Make sure every piece is coated in the creamy pumpkin sage goodness. You’ll love how comforting this dish turns out! For the full recipe, click here to see all the steps and tips needed to create this lush and comforting dish. To make the sauce just right, aim for a creamy texture. Start by adding pumpkin puree and vegetable broth in a skillet. Heat it gently. Then, pour in the heavy cream slowly while stirring. This method keeps the sauce smooth. If it gets too thick, add reserved pasta water until it’s perfect. For added flavor, try these tips: - Use fresh sage for a bright taste. - Add a pinch of cayenne for heat. - A splash of lemon juice can add brightness. Garnishing makes your dish pop! Here are some fun ideas: - Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for crunch. - Add extra grated Parmesan for a cheesy finish. - A few fresh sage leaves can brighten the plate. For special occasions, serve it in elegant bowls. Pair it with a salad or crusty bread to complete the meal. This dish looks beautiful and tastes amazing, perfect for impressing guests. {{image_2}} When making creamy pumpkin sage pasta, you can cater to different diets. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives like rice or quinoa pasta. These taste good and work well in this recipe. For those who prefer dairy-free options, you can swap the heavy cream. Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead. Both options will give you a rich and creamy texture. You can also replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. To enhance the flavor, consider adding more herbs. Thyme or rosemary can pair nicely with sage. You can mix and match your herbs based on what you have at home. Fresh herbs add a bright touch to the dish. You can also add vegetables or proteins to your pasta. Spinach or kale adds color and nutrients. If you love protein, try adding cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp. These options make your dish more filling and satisfying. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for creamy pumpkin sage pasta. To store leftovers of creamy pumpkin sage pasta, put it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. When you're ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy. Stir often until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. You can freeze creamy pumpkin sage pasta for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the pasta in freezer-safe containers. Leave space for expansion. When it's time to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For quick thawing, use the microwave on the defrost setting. After thawing, reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of cream or broth to restore creaminess. This dish is rich and comforting. Enjoy it again even after freezing! For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. What type of pasta works best? I love using fettuccine for creamy pumpkin sage pasta. Its wide shape holds the sauce well. You can also use penne or rigatoni if you like. Just ensure it cooks to al dente for the best texture. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just peel, chop, and steam or roast it until soft. Then, blend it to make a smooth puree. This adds a fresh flavor and a lovely texture to the dish. How to adjust creaminess levels To make your pasta creamier, add more heavy cream. You can also add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired thickness. If you want it less creamy, reduce the cream amount. Can I add more spices or ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to add more spices like cinnamon or chili flakes for extra warmth. You can also mix in vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms. For protein, try adding cooked chicken or sausage to make it heartier. For the full recipe, check out the complete details in the recipe section! You learned how to make a tasty pumpkin pasta dish. We went through each ingredient and step. I shared tips to perfect your sauce and ideas for presentation. You found out how to store leftovers properly and explore variations that fit your needs. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen. Whether you choose gluten-free pasta or want to add herbs, the options are endless. Enjoy your cooking journey and share this delicious meal with friends or family.

Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this creamy pumpkin sage pasta that's both easy to make and delicious! This dish combines fettuccine with a rich pumpkin cream sauce, fresh sage, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, making it perfect for cozy evenings. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an ideal recipe for busy nights. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a comforting autumn dinner that your family will love!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz fettuccine or any pasta of choice

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup vegetable broth

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

      Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh sage, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Incorporate Pumpkin and Cream: Add the pumpkin puree and vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and heated through.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

            Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined, enhancing the creaminess. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Serve: Plate the creamy pumpkin sage pasta in bowls, garnishing with toasted pumpkin seeds if desired.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve with additional Parmesan on top and a sprinkle of fresh sage for a lovely autumn touch.