Pumpkin Pasta With Sausage Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the cozy, autumnal flavor of pumpkin with the savory, comforting taste of Italian sausage, creating a perfect balance that makes my tastebuds do a happy dance. Plus, it’s super easy to make and turns a simple pasta night into a delicious gourmet experience that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening.

Pumpkin Pasta with Sausage is a cozy dish I love for its blend of savory and creamy flavors. For the robust foundation of this dish, I go with penne and Italian sausage.

The pumpkin puree brings a lusciousness and a nutrition-packed punch; you would never guess it’s largely healthy. And nutmeg, which I consider an unfairly neglected spice, rivals the best of fall’s comforts when combined with the good ol’ standby, Parmesan cheese.

Эта здоровая и сытная паста . .

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Ingredients

• Pasta: Provides a good source of carbohydrates, essential for energy.
• Italian Sausage: Rich in protein and flavor, adds savory depth.
• Pumpkin Puree: Packed with fiber and vitamins, offers subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic intensity and antioxidant properties.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a savory, umami flavor with calcium benefits.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 ounces of pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta in a very large vessel of salt water boiling vigorously enough to keep the water at a full rolling boil even when the pasta is added. For the best flavor, use at least 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. Pour in the salt and then cover the pot to bring the water back to a boil quickly. Remove the lid and add the pasta. Stir for a minute to keep the pasta from clumping. Cook according to the package directions.

2. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Mix in the Italian sausage and fry it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s a nice brown color and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Lift the sausage out of the pan and set aside.

3. In the same frying pan, toss in the diced onion and cook until starting to soften, around 3-4 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it is nice and fragrant.

4. Incorporate the pumpkin puree and chicken broth into the onion and garlic mixture, whisking them together until smooth and seamless.

5. Combine the heavy cream and ground nutmeg in the skillet. Stir to mix well and then let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This is your chance to let it slightly thicken to a sauce-like consistency.

6. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste to the sauce.

7. Place the cooked sausage back in the skillet, and stir it into the pumpkin sauce.

8. Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet, and then toss to coat the pasta thoroughly with the sauce.

9. Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta until it is melted and mixed well into the dish.

10. Pasta should be hot when served, and it can be garnished with several things, but fresh parsley (chopped) and more Parmesan cheese are the two garnishes we have most often in our kitchen. Actually, they make the dish look and taste a little bit better.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot with lid
2. Large frying pan
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Whisk
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Colander or pasta strainer
10. Grater

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of sausage?Indeed, any sausage that you favor can be utilized, whether it be the spicy or sweet variety of Italian sausage or, for a lighter option, turkey sausage.
• What type of pasta works best for this dish?Pasta that is short and tubular, for instance penne or rigatoni, holds the sauce better, but you can use any pasta type you have on hand.
• Can I make this dish vegetarian?You can completely omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables, like spinach or kale, for a meatless meal.
• Is there an alternative to heavy cream?Heavy cream can be replaced with either half-and-half or coconut milk, in which case you would need to substitute with the amount and make the necessary adjustments.
• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?Certainly, fresh pumpkin can be utilized by roasting and pureeing it. However, using canned pumpkin puree is quicker and works just as well in recipes.
• How long does it take to prepare this recipe?Total time: about 30 minutes. Why this recipe works: This dish is perfect when you’re pressed for time but still want a satisfying meal. And it is so flavorful, it feels like a treat rather than a weekday meal.

Substitutions and Variations

For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage instead of Italian sausage.
Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half for a dairy-free or lighter option.
Butternut squash puree can be used in place of pumpkin puree for a somewhat different flavor.
For a vegetarian dish, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
If you’re looking for a nutty substitute for Parmesan cheese, give nutritional yeast or aged Gouda a try.

Pro Tips

1. Choose High-Quality Sausage Opt for a high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavors. Consider using a mix of sweet and spicy sausages for a balanced flavor profile.

2. Use Fresh Nutmeg Grating nutmeg fresh into your sauce can enhance the aroma and flavor significantly compared to pre-ground nutmeg.

3. Reserve Pasta Water Before draining the pasta, keep a cup of the starchy cooking water. You can use it to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed, ensuring it clings perfectly to the pasta.

4. Sauté for Depth of Flavor Ensure the onions and garlic are sautéed until the onions are deeply golden. This adds a sweet and rich depth to your pumpkin sauce.

5. Combine Warm Ingredients To ensure the Parmesan cheese melts smoothly without clumping, make sure the sausage, sauce, and pasta are all warm when you combine them. This helps achieve a creamy, cohesive sauce.