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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Serves 3
10 mins prep
20 mins cook
30 mins total
This 30-minute creamy pumpkin pasta features velvety pumpkin puree, a splash of heavy cream, and a hint of spice! It's the ultimate weeknight dinner for fall.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook [wprm-ingredient text="8 ounces dried short pasta" uid="8"] according to package instructions until just before al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
Saute the aromatics: Meanwhile, set a large skillet with [wprm-ingredient text="3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil" uid="0"] over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and [wprm-ingredient text="1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes" uid="2"], and saute for 1 minute until aromatic.
Add diced onion, and saute for 7 - 8 minutes until soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
Note: If the bottom of the pan begins to brown, you can gently scrape the bits with a wooden spoon.
Cook down the pumpkin: Over medium heat, [wprm-ingredient text="3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree" uid="5"] and cook down for about 3 - 4 minutes, stirring frequently until any remaining moisture evaporates from the puree.
Note: You will know the moisture has evaporated when the puree begins to stick to the sides of the pan. It may also start caramelizing and turning light-brown at the bottom of the pan -- this is good!
Add vodka: Add [wprm-ingredient text="1/4 cup vodka" uid="6"] (or vegetable broth). Let simmer for 2 - 4 minutes, until most of the liquid evaporates and the smell dissipates.
Simmer cream: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in [wprm-ingredient text="1 cup heavy cream" uid="7"].
Simmer for 5 minutes (or until thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon).
Add the pasta: Season pumpkin sauce with salt and pepper and reduce heat to low.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer pasta to the sauce. Add [wprm-ingredient text="1/2 cup loosely packed grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese" uid="9"] and stir pasta into sauce.
Loosen the sauce with a few tablespoons of pasta water, then simmer for 1 - 2 minutes until sauce looks glossy and clings to the pasta. Season again with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Divide among serving bowls, and top with fresh herbs and additional cheese if desired.