Description
This Easy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce recipe offers a creamy, comforting dish perfect for fall or any time you crave the warm flavors of pumpkin combined with savory herbs and cheese. The sauce is quick to prepare, featuring sautéed onions and garlic, canned pumpkin puree, and a touch of heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. It’s a versatile pasta sauce that can be customized with your favorite pasta and fresh herbs for garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pumpkin Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Cooked pasta of choice
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer the Pumpkin Sauce: Add the canned pumpkin puree, heavy cream (or coconut milk), and vegetable or chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly while stirring occasionally.
- Season and Finish Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ground sage, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together and the cheese melts completely.
- Toss with Pasta and Serve: Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every strand with the creamy pumpkin sauce. Serve the pasta warm, garnished generously with fresh parsley or basil for a fresh herbal finish.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk to make this sauce dairy-free.
- Vegetable or chicken broth can be used depending on your dietary preference or availability.
- Adjust the seasoning of salt and pepper gradually to suit your taste.
- This sauce pairs well with any pasta type, including penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide a nice spicy kick if desired.
