Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Sauce with Pumpkin
Elevate your pasta night with this irresistibly rich and flavorful Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Sauce with Pumpkin. This vibrant dish combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree with the tangy richness of sun-dried tomatoes, creating a perfectly balanced sauce that's velvety smooth and indulgent. Infused with garlic and fresh basil, and finished with a touch of Parmesan and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, this autumn-inspired recipe is both comforting and sophisticated. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, it's a great weeknight dinner option that feels like a gourmet treat. Serve with your favorite pasta—penne, fettuccine, or anything in between—and watch as it becomes an instant family favorite. Perfect for lovers of creamy pasta recipes and seasonal flavors!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the pumpkin puree, stirring to combine with the tomato-garlic mixture.
Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth, whisking to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well-coated.
Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
512 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.4 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.7 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 70 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 839 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.6 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.4 g | ||
| Protein | 11.4 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 165 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 558 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
