Creamy Pumpkin Sage Fettuccine
Imagine silky fettuccine ribbons twirled in a velvety pumpkin sauce, kissed by fresh sage and a touch of nutmeg.
Total: 35 minPrep: 15 minCook: 20 minServes 4Difficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (120+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 fresh sage leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: toasted pine nuts and extra Parmesan for garnish
Steps
- 1 Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and then drain.
- 2 While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- 3 Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- 4 Whisk in butter and Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy.
- 5 Add chopped sage and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6 Toss cooked fettuccine into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- 7 Serve immediately, garnished with additional sage, pine nuts, and Parmesan if desired.
Equipment
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms or crispy pancetta for extra texture and flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Substitutions
- Substitute fettuccine with pappardelle or tagliatelle if desired.
- Use coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
Pairings
- A simple kale Caesar salad
- Warm garlic bread
Nutrition
Calories:
620 kcal
Fat:
36g fat
Carbs:
55g carbohydrates
Protein:
18g protein
Fiber:
4g fiber
Sugar:
8g sugar
Sodium:
450mg sodium
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use homemade pumpkin puree.
- Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden for added crunch.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread.
- A glass of Pinot Noir complements the earthy flavors nicely.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately from the cooked pasta. Combine before serving.
What can I use if I don't have fresh sage?
Substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried sage, though the flavor will be slightly different.