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As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like a bowl of comforting pasta to warm your soul. Enter Savory Pumpkin Pasta with Parmesan—an exquisite dish that marries the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin with the sharp, nutty notes of Parmesan cheese. This delightful recipe is a celebration of fall's bounty, bringing together creamy textures and savory aromas that are perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

Savory Pumpkin Pasta with Parmesan

Discover the perfect autumn comfort food with Savory Pumpkin Pasta with Parmesan. This rich and creamy dish combines the earthy flavors of pumpkin with nutty Parmesan cheese, creating a delightful meal that's easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a pasta that’s both elegant and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe celebrates the essence of fall and will surely impress family and friends. Enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors and bring warmth to your table!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz of pasta (fettuccine or your favorite type)

1 cup canned pumpkin puree (ensure it's not pumpkin pie filling)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

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

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Salt and pepper, to taste

Roasted pumpkin seeds, for garnish (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later use, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a warm place.

    Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Incorporate Pumpkin: Stir in the pumpkin puree along with the dried sage, nutmeg, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow all the flavors to blend harmoniously.

        Create Creamy Sauce: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to merge it with the pumpkin mixture. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, until it thickens to a smooth consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, slowly add in some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred texture.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the pumpkin cream sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure every strand of pasta is coated in the sauce. If you need to loosen the sauce, incorporate a splash more of the reserved pasta water.

            Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely and adds a creamy richness to the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

              Serve: Transfer the pasta to your serving plates. Garnish each plate generously with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch, and a handful of chopped fresh parsley to add vibrant color.

                Enjoy: Serve immediately, savoring the warm, rich flavors that evoke the essence of fall!

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