Imagine a dish that captures the essence of fall in every single bite - a luxurious pasta recipe that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into a gourmet experience. This Creamy Pumpkin Penne is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that combines the rich, velvety texture of pumpkin, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the aromatic crisp of sage leaves. Perfect for those seeking comfort food with a sophisticated twist, this recipe promises to transport your taste buds to a cozy autumn evening with just one forkful.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne Pasta
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup Toasted Pecans
- 10 Fresh Sage Leaves
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter and add fresh sage leaves. Fry until crispy and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Remove sage leaves and set aside on a paper towel.
- In the same skillet, combine pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk together until smooth and heated through.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the pumpkin cream sauce. Stir to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Plate the pasta and top with remaining Parmesan cheese, toasted pecans, and crispy sage leaves.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the creamy texture and autumn-inspired flavors.
Tips
- Reserve pasta water is your secret weapon - it helps create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats each pasta strand.
- Toast your pecans slowly and carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning them.
- Use fresh sage leaves for the crispiest, most aromatic result.
- Choose a high-quality Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta - al dente is key to maintaining the right texture.
- Warm your serving plates to keep the pasta hot and creamy from first to last bite.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of pasta water if needed.
- Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to enhance the pumpkin's natural sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 555kcal
Carbohydrates: 72g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
