Description
This creamy pumpkin pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for fall or any time you crave a rich, velvety sauce. Tender rigatoni pasta is enveloped in a luscious sauce made from pumpkin puree, butter, cream, and savory spices, creating a hearty yet elegant meal that is quick to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be combined later with the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend all the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the pumpkin sauce and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the sauce thickens further and clings delightfully to the noodles.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pumpkin pasta and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy this rich, comforting dish.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best results and authentic flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper towards the end of the cooking to taste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor and texture compared to pre-grated cheese.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
