Name: Pumpkin Pasta with Garlic and Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well); 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling); 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 cups fresh spinach; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

A creamy, comforting pasta dish made with pumpkin purée, garlic, and fresh spinach. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy fall weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well)

Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Greens and Garnish

3 cups fresh spinach
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Make the Pumpkin Sauce: Stir in the pumpkin purée and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the cream, grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, red pepper flakes if using, and salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until the leaves are just wilted, preserving their bright color and texture.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the sauce and spinach. Toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a creamy consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving for added flavor and a fresh finish.

Notes

Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.
Leftovers reheat well—just loosen with a splash of milk or broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course / Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired