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Pasta With Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

The Washington Post, November 14, 2007

Dinner in 30 Minutes

  • Course: Main Course
  • Features: Meatless, Fast, Healthy, Kid-Friendly

Summary:

When life hands you canned pumpkin on sale, make dinner with it as well as Thanksgiving dessert. The flavors here -- pumpkin, dairy, sage, a touch of Parmesan cheese -- are what you might find in pumpkin-filled ravioli. But the effect is lighter; the squash becomes a subtle, can't-quite-place-it ingredient in this pale orange sauce.

We replaced the original recipe's cream with low-fat milk, and the sauce remained rich tasting. Feel free to toss some toasted, chopped walnuts on top.

Serve with steamed broccoli.

4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 8 to 10 ounces multigrain angel-hair pasta, such as Barilla brand
  • 1 medium shallot
  • 3 medium cloves garlic
  • 2 sprigs sage leaves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup canned unsweetened pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup low-fat milk
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions (6 to 7 minutes).

Meanwhile, mince the shallot and garlic; finely chop the sage.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic; cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until they have softened. Add the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, milk and half of the sage. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste; keep warm on the lowest setting.

Drain the pasta and add to the sauce, then add 2 tablespoons of the cheese and mix well. Divide among individual plates and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese and the remaining sage.

Recipe Source:

Adapted from "The Ski House Cookbook," by Tina Anderson and Sarah Pinneo (Clarkson Potter, 2007).

Tested by Bonnie S. Benwick for The Washington Post.
E-mail the Food Section with recipe questions.

(Julia Ewan)
Nutrition Facts
Information per serving
Calories: 296
% Daily Values*
Total Fat: 6g 9
Saturated Fat: 2g 10
Cholesterol: 6mg 2
Sodium: 190mg8
Total Carbohydrates: 46g 15
Dietary Fiber: 5g 20
Sugar: n/a
Protein: 15g
*Percent Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Total Fat: Less than65g
Saturated Fat: Less than20g
Cholesterol: Less than300mg
Sodium:Less than2,400mg
Total Carbohydrates: 300g
Dietary Fiber: 25g
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