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Pumpkin Pasta with Sage and Spinach

Pumpkin Pasta with Sage and Spinach

A warm and comforting fall-inspired dish combining tender pasta with a creamy pumpkin sauce, aromatic sage, and fresh spinach. This easy-to-make vegetarian pasta is perfect for weeknights, delivering rich, seasonal flavors with a velvety texture and vibrant colors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni recommended)

Sauce

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
  • 23 fresh sage leaves
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Sauté Sage and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and minced garlic; sauté gently until fragrant but not browned, infusing the oil with herbal flavor.
  3. Make the Pumpkin Sauce: Stir in the pumpkin puree and heavy cream (or coconut milk) to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
  4. Add Spinach and Season: Add fresh spinach leaves and stir until wilted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your taste, adjusting as needed for balance.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen the sauce to a creamy consistency if needed.
  6. Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh sage and spinach for the best flavor and color.
  • Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta without becoming too thick.
  • Cook pasta al dente for the best texture and bite.
  • Adjust creaminess by substituting cream or trying alternative milks like coconut milk.
  • Enhance umami by adding a splash of soy sauce or miso paste if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin pasta, autumn recipe, sage pasta, spinach pasta, creamy pumpkin sauce, vegetarian pasta, fall flavors, easy pasta recipe