Imagine a dish that combines the rich, velvety smoothness of pumpkin with the aromatic magic of fresh sage, all embracing tender pasta and succulent chicken – this isn't just a meal, it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen! Our Pasta with Creamy Pumpkin Sage Sauce is the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Add the chopped fresh sage to the skillet and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the herbs.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and heavy cream, whisking until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Reduce heat to low.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat and warm through.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until it begins to wilt.
- Fold the drained pasta into the sauce, ensuring each strand is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with additional fresh sage leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously – it should taste like the sea to ensure perfectly seasoned pasta.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silkier sauce and helps ingredients cling better.
- Use fresh sage if possible; it provides a more vibrant and intense flavor compared to dried herbs.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts as a final garnish.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream.
- Ensure your chicken is pre-cooked and warm before adding to the sauce to maintain food safety and optimal temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
