Description
Silky pumpkin alfredo pasta brings autumnal comfort to classic Italian cuisine, blending rich seasonal flavors with comforting creamy sauce. Hearty ingredients and quick preparation make this dish perfect for crisp evening dinners you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup (60 grams) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Seasoning and Optional Ingredients:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) reserved pasta water (if needed)
- Optional: grated Pecorino Romano for serving
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Cook pasta until it reaches al dente texture, maintaining a slight firmness.
- In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat until it turns golden and becomes fragrant. Add minced garlic and sage, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the aromatics release their full flavor profile.
- Incorporate pumpkin puree and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking thoroughly until the mixture transforms into a smooth, vibrant golden sauce with no lumps.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually fold in grated cheese, stirring continuously to ensure uniform melting. Remove from direct heat to prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating.
- Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a delicate pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning according to your preference.
- Drain pasta, reserving one cup of starchy cooking water. Transfer pasta directly into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating. If sauce appears too thick, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with additional grated cheese, fresh sage leaves, and a final crack of black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy autumn-inspired pasta.
Notes
- Customize pasta types to suit different dietary needs, like gluten-free or whole wheat options for added nutrition and variety.
- Use plant-based alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
- Roast fresh pumpkin instead of using canned puree for a deeper, more authentic flavor profile with enhanced natural sweetness.
- Add protein boost by incorporating crispy pancetta, grilled chicken, or roasted chickpeas to make the dish more substantial and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 564
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 109mg