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.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Judy
 
							- Prep Time: 10 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 15 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 25 minutes
 
							- Yield: 4 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Main Course
 
							- Method: Sautéing
 
							- Cuisine: American
 
							- Diet: Vegetarian
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			Pasta
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni recommended)
 
Sauce
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
 
- 2–3 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
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- 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.
 
- 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.
 
- 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.
 
- 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.
 
- 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.
 
- 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
		
							- Serving Size: 1 serving
 
							- Calories: 380 kcal
 
							- Sugar: 4 g
 
							- Sodium: 350 mg
 
							- Fat: 18 g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 7 g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0 g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 42 g
 
							- Fiber: 5 g
 
							- Protein: 12 g
 
							- Cholesterol: 25 mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: pumpkin pasta, autumn recipe, sage pasta, spinach pasta, creamy pumpkin sauce, vegetarian pasta, fall flavors, easy pasta recipe