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Creamy Pumpkin Sage Rigatoni

creamy pumpkin sage rigatoni - featured image

A comforting and elegant pasta dish featuring a rich, velvety pumpkin sauce infused with earthy sage and a hint of nutmeg, perfect for fall evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rigatoni
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (pure canned or homemade)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 68 fresh sage leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add the fresh sage leaves to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring frequently. The sage should crisp up slightly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the pumpkin puree and heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Gradually add the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce as needed. Start with 1/4 cup and add more if the sauce is too thick.
  6. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  7. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until it’s melted and incorporated into the sauce.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and a few whole sage leaves for presentation.

Notes

[“Fresh sage is essential for the best flavor; dried sage can be used but won’t provide the same aromatic punch.”, ‘Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.’, ‘Taste and season as you go to ensure balanced flavors.’, ‘Start with a small pinch of nutmeg to avoid overpowering the dish.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin pasta, creamy rigatoni, fall recipes, sage pasta, quick dinner