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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

This Creamy Farfalle Pasta is a celebration of the season, combining the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, the comfort of perfectly cooked Farfalle pasta, and the richness of Parmesan cheese. 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Fall, Parmesan, Pasta, Pumpkin
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Blender smoothly transforms pumpkin into velvety sauce
  • Large Pot perfect for boiling farfalle pasta to al dente
  • Wooden Spoon for stirring and combining the sauce and pasta
  • Pan to sauté onions and garlic for aromatic magic

Ingredients

  • 12 oz farfalle pasta
  • 2 cups diced pumpkin
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add farfalle pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  • In a separate pan, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
  • Add diced pumpkin and cook until tender.
  • Transfer cooked pumpkin mixture to a blender.
  • Add vegetable broth, heavy cream, nutmeg, sage, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
  • Return blended sauce to pan, warm over low heat.
  • Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
  • If sauce is thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
  • Add cooked pasta to sauce, toss to coat evenly.
  • Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.
  • Serve in bowls and enjoy!

Notes

Substitutions
- Canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh.
- Coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Swap sage with rosemary or thyme.
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
- Add diced chicken or crispy bacon for protein.
- Toss in toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts.
- Enhance with sautéed spinach or kale.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a green salad or garlic bread.
- Enjoy as a standalone comfort meal.
Pro Tips
- Gradually increase blender speed to prevent splatters.
- Opt for fresh grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheat gently on a stovetop, adding liquid if needed.