To start, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of penne pasta
– 1 can of pumpkin puree
– 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 teaspoon of dried sage
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 pound of chicken breast or sausage (optional)
– Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, making sure to salt the water generously. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
If using chicken or sausage, add it to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
To the same skillet, add the can of pumpkin puree, chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, dried sage, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Whisk everything together until fully combined, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pumpkin sauce and stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
If using it, slice the cooked chicken or sausage into bite-sized pieces and stir it into the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
This recipe is easy to customize to your preferences. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute the chicken or sausage for a vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh.
Pumpkin penne is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in during the fall season. With its creamy and flavorful sauce, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something warm and filling. Enjoy!