Are you ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into a culinary masterpiece that screams fall comfort? Imagine a creamy, luxurious sauce that combines the rich, velvety texture of traditional Alfredo with the warm, earthy notes of pumpkin – a combination that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce Pasta isn't just another recipe; it's a gastronomic experience that bridges classic Italian cuisine with the cozy flavors of autumn, promising to become your new favorite go-to meal that impresses both family and dinner guests.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of fettuccine, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pumpkin Alfredo sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir gently to combine.
- As the mixture heats up, add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Next, add the teaspoon of nutmeg to the sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Once the fettuccine is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Immediately add the drained fettuccine to the saucepan with the pumpkin Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Continue to cook the pasta in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Serve the Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce Pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most authentic and rich flavor – pre-grated cheese won't melt as smoothly.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silkier sauce.
- Cook pasta just to al dente to ensure it doesn't become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- For extra depth, consider toasting the nutmeg briefly in the pan before adding to the sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- For a luxurious touch, garnish with fresh sage leaves or toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light autumn ale.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 110mg
