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Pumpkin Pasta with Sausage: Our New Favorite Fall Dish
Fall is here, and with it comes all the cozy, comforting dishes we look forward to all year. If you’re like me, you’ve probably got your go-to fall recipes. But this year, I tried something new: pumpkin pasta with sausage. Yes, you read that right—pumpkin in pasta! I wasn’t sure how it would go over with the kids, but to my surprise, it’s become a new favorite around here. The pumpkin flavor is so subtle that the kids didn’t even realize it was there, which is a win in my book!
Why Pumpkin Pasta Works
I know what you might be thinking—pumpkin is for pie, not pasta. But hear me out. Pumpkin actually makes a great base for a creamy sauce, and when you add in some white wine and sausage, it turns into this hearty, flavorful dish that just screams fall. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get some extra veggies into the kids’ meals without them noticing.
And let’s not forget the health benefits. Pumpkin is packed with vitamins A and C, and it’s a good source of fiber. It’s a little something to make you feel better about indulging in those pumpkin spice lattes and apple pies!
What Makes This Dish So Good
What I love about this recipe is how the ingredients come together so effortlessly to make something truly delicious. Here’s what makes it special:
- Pumpkin: We’re using canned pumpkin puree here—simple and easy. It makes the sauce creamy without needing a ton of heavy cream.
- White Wine: This adds just a bit of acidity to balance out the richness. If you’re worried about the alcohol, don’t be—it cooks off, leaving just the flavor behind.
- Sausage: You can use whatever kind you like. I go for Italian sausage because it adds a little bit of spice, but a milder sausage works just as well if your family isn’t into spicy food.
- Pasta: Pick a pasta shape that holds onto the sauce well. We love using penne or rigatoni in our house for thicker pasta dishes because the sauce clings to every bite. For this one, I found Zucchette pasta which almost resembles little pumpkins and it was perfect!
Making Pumpkin Pasta in a Busy Household
This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Here’s how to pull it together:
- Cook the Pasta: Start with boiling your pasta. Don’t forget to save some of that pasta water before you drain it—trust me, you need it for the sauce.
- Cook the Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, brown your sausage in a big skillet sauteed with garlic.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, stir in the pumpkin puree. Cook it for a couple of minutes just to warm it up.
- Add the White Wine: Pour in the wine and let it simmer. This helps the flavors meld together and gives the sauce a little more depth.
- Mix it All Together: Add the rest of the ingredients to the skillet, then toss in the pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, use a bit of that reserved pasta water to thin it out to your liking.
- Serve: Top it all off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and you’re good to go!
Why Your Family Will Love It
This pumpkin pasta is like a warm, cozy hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent. My kids absolutely devoured it, which is saying something because a few of them can be pretty picky. The pumpkin flavor is so subtle that it doesn’t scream “vegetables,” which is great if you have little ones who aren’t big on trying new things.
Plus, it’s quick enough to make on a busy weeknight but feels special enough for a Sunday dinner. And let’s face it, as much as we love those slow-cooked meals, sometimes we just need something that’s going to come together fast and still taste amazing. Almost like you spent hours, but didn’t.
Bringing Fall to the Table
I’ve made this dish a couple of times now, and it’s officially part of our fall dinner rotation. It’s comforting, it’s delicious, and it makes me feel like I’m winning at this whole mom thing when everyone around the table is actually enjoying their dinner (and getting some extra veggies without realizing it!).
If you’re looking to shake up your fall recipes and try something new, give this pumpkin pasta a go. You might just be surprised at how much your family loves it—and how much you enjoy making it. Happy cooking!
Pumpkin Pasta Recipe:
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Sausage
The BEST pumpkin pasta recipe that's easy to make and the whole family loves!
Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 1 pound pasta
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sage
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a pot, cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some of the water.
- In a skillet, brown sausage, cooking along with garlic. Add pumpkin, wine, reserved pasta water, heavy cream and seasonings. Simmer for a few minutes and then stir in cooked, drained pasta.
- Serve and top with parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Give this a try, and let me know how your family likes it!
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