How to Make the Perfect Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Italian · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This velvety pumpkin pasta sauce is made with sage-infused butter and parmesan for a luxuriously creamy and utterly satisfying pasta dish. It is an elegant yet effortless dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 16g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 oz pasta of your choice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 leaves fresh sage
- 0.75 cup pasta cooking water reserved
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 2: Brown the Butter and Sage
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the fresh sage leaves. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the butter is golden brown and smells nutty and the sage is crispy.
Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Sauce
Reduce heat to low and remove the sage leaves. Add the pumpkin puree to the browned butter and stir in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to a silky consistency.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Finish
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, adding more pasta water as needed. Remove from heat, stir in the parmesan, and top with the crispy sage leaves before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh sage → fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note
- unsalted butter → olive oil for a lighter and dairy-free version of the sauce
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Discarding all of the pasta water which is essential for achieving a silky and well-emulsified sauce
- Overheating the sauce after adding the pumpkin which can cause it to become gluey and lose its creaminess
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 16g protein, 62g carbs, 18g fat, 4g fiber.
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