Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of pumpkin with the aromatic taste of sage, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for fall and makes a delightful weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh sage leaves (for garnish)

Timing

Making Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Pumpkin: Stir in the pumpkin puree and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to warm through.
3. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Incorporate Cheese and Sage: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried sage, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix Together: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Serve

1. Plate the Pasta: Serve the creamy pumpkin sage pasta in bowls.
2. Garnish: Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh sage leaves.
3. Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta warm!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	12g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
• Vegetable Additions: Add spinach, kale, or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that highlights the flavors of fall with its creamy pumpkin sauce and aromatic sage. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this pasta is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!