Penne with Sausage in Pumpkin Sauce
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this indulgent recipe for Penne with Sausage in Pumpkin Sauce. This creamy, savory dish combines tender penne pasta with flavorful Italian sausage and a luscious pumpkin-based sauce, making it a comforting yet sophisticated option for fall and beyond. The sauce, enriched with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of nutmeg, offers a perfectly balanced blend of earthy richness and warm spice, while red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy nights and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and serve up a plate of pasta perfection that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Keywords: penne with sausage, pumpkin sauce pasta, creamy pasta recipes, fall dinner ideas, quick pasta dishes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Remove the casings from the sausage, if applicable, and add the sausage to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Transfer the sausage to a plate using a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the canned pumpkin puree, heavy cream, chicken broth, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine.
Toss the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and incorporated.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
587 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.9 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.1 g | 95% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 105 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 900 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.1 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 18.1 g | 36% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 156 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 360 mg | 8% | |
*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.
