Embrace the essence of fall and festive spirit of Halloween with my Creamy Pumpkin Pasta! This indulgent dish brings together roasted pumpkin, caramelized garlic, nutty brown butter, and fragrant sage in a velvety cream sauce. Topped with crispy bacon, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it's a symphony of autumnal flavors that will warm your heart!
Ingredients:
1 pie pumpkin, halved
Whole garlic head
1 stick of salted butter
Fresh sage leaves
1 pint of heavy whipping cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Your favorite pasta
Crispy bacon (about 4 oz)
Homemade toasted pumpkin seeds (see instructions below)
Instructions:
Roast the Pumpkin and Garlic: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the pumpkin halves and whole garlic head in a Dutch oven. Drizzle with olive oil and sage leaves. Roast until the pumpkin is tender, about 45 minutes-1 hour. Once cooled, puree until smooth.
2. Prepare Toasted Pumpkin Seeds:
While the pumpkin is roasting, clean the seeds, toss them in olive oil and sea salt, and toast them in the oven at 325°F until golden brown (about 30 minutes, stirring halfway). Set aside.
3. Brown Butter and Sage:
In the Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Allow it to brown until it releases a nutty aroma. Toss in a few sage leaves and let them sizzle in the butter.
4. Infuse with Cream and Pumpkin: Slowly pour in the cream, stirring gently. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Add the roasted pumpkin and garlic puree, blending them with the cream.
5. Add Parmesan and Season:
Sprinkle in a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce. Season to taste with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
6. Incorporate Pasta: Cook your favorite pasta until al dente. Drain and add it to the creamy pumpkin sauce, tossing gently to coat.
7. Garnish and Serve: Top each bowl with crispy bacon, crispy sage leaves from the brown butter, and a generous sprinkle of homemade toasted pumpkin seeds.
This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is more than a recipe, it's a journey through the flavors of fall! Share it with loved ones and let it become a cherished part of your autumn traditions.