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Creamy pumpkin pasta with Italian sausage dish, served on a plate

Creamy pumpkin pasta with Italian sausage

This creamy pumpkin pasta with Italian sausage is a cozy, flavorful fall dinner made with tender pasta, savory browned Italian sausage, pumpkin purée, heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, onion, and aromatic sage. The pumpkin adds subtle sweetness and a rich, velvety texture, while the sausage, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes provide savory depth and a touch of heat.
Ready in about 30 minutes, it's an easy weeknight meal that's comforting, satisfying, and perfect for pumpkin season.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 675
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter if needed
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage or 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 to 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • Fresh Parmesan and sage for serving

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it browns.
  3. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving some of the rendered fat in the skillet.
  4. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the pumpkin purée, heavy cream, sage, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt.
  6. Stir well and gently simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  8. Add the cooked pasta and Italian sausage to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
  9. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
  10. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  11. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh sage if desired.