Creamy One-Pot Pumpkin Pasta

By lorik

This recipe is super easy to make and only takes one pot! It's perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces dried pasta, such as garganelli, gigli, campanelle, or gemelli
• 4 1/2 cups water
• 3 to 4 large garlic cloves, pressed or finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated nutmeg, to garnish
• For serving: Toasted pumpkin seeds, grated Parmesan, good-quality olive oil, or freshly chopped herbs, such as sage or parsley

Details

Servings 4
Preparation time 10mins
Cooking time 20mins

Preparation

Step 1

Place the dried pasta in 3-quart straight-sided skillet or Dutch oven. Add the water, garlic, olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, red pepper flakes, and a generous amount of black pepper, and bring to a full rolling boil over high heat. Using tongs, stir and turn the pasta frequently to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, approximately 9 to 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. (If there is still a little bit of cooking water, pour some — but not all — into a separate bowl.

Add the pumpkin purée, cream, and Parmesan, and toss with tongs until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed (it will need lots of both). The sauce will naturally thicken up after a couple of minutes. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds, grated Parmesan, and a swirl of good olive oil. (If the pasta does seem to need liquid, add back a few splashes of reserved cooking liquid.)