Pumpkin Feta Pasta Dish (Printer-Friendly)

Creamy fall-inspired pasta with pumpkin, feta, Parmesan, and sage in a rich sauce to warm your meal.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta

→ Sauce

02 - 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
03 - 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1/4 cup olive oil
08 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage or 1 tablespoon dried sage
09 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), for garnish
12 - 2 tablespoons butter
13 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
14 - 1/2 cup vegetable broth or reserved pasta water

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and chopped fresh sage. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
03 - Pour pumpkin puree into the skillet and combine thoroughly with the aromatics. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
05 - Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add vegetable broth or reserved pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.
06 - Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
07 - Add drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
08 - Stir in half of the crumbled feta cheese. Melt butter in a small pan and drizzle over the pasta for added richness.
09 - Serve immediately, garnished with remaining feta cheese and toasted pumpkin seeds.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - For a spicier flavor, increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper.
02 - To make vegan, substitute the cream and feta with plant-based alternatives.
03 - Roasting fresh pumpkin before pureeing intensifies flavor.
04 - Brown butter with sage before adding to sauce for a nutty depth.

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