Name: Creamy Pumpkin Sausage Pasta
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) Rigatoni or Penne pasta; 1 lb (450g) Ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Salt and black pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional for heat); Fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) Rigatoni or Penne pasta
1 lb (450g) Ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Before draining, carefully scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the rest of the pasta and keep it warm.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Aromatics
While the pasta boils, place a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through. Use a spoon to remove any excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Pumpkin Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Use a whisk or spatula to blend the ingredients until the sauce is smooth. Season with chopped sage, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Garnish
Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the pumpkin sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Cook Time: 30 minutes