Savory Sausage Pumpkin Pasta
This delightful sausage pumpkin pasta harmoniously blends the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the savory richness of sausage, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, it's a comforting meal that invites memories of autumn gatherings.
Equipment
- Large pot For boiling pasta
- Skillet For sauce preparation
- Colander
- Mixing spoon
- Grater For cheese
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy, your choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Tip: Reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining for a creamier sauce.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks to create small pieces.
- Tip: Let the sausage get a nice caramelized color for extra flavor.
Combine Pumpkin and Cream
- Reduce the heat, and pour the pumpkin puree and heavy cream into the skillet with the sausage. Stir to combine. Add garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
Mix Pasta and Sauce
- Once the fettuccine is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Tip: The pasta should be well-coated but not swimming in sauce.
Serve
- Plate the pasta, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, and garnish with fresh sage leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Pro tips:
- Use homemade or fresh sausage for a more robust flavor.
- Don’t skip the nutmeg; it beautifully enhances the pumpkin’s sweetness.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce with pasta water for a perfect texture.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.