Pumpkin Pasta with Sage Walnuts (Printer-Friendly)

Creamy pasta features pumpkin, sage, walnuts, and Parmesan, creating an autumn-inspired vegetarian main.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz dried fettuccine or tagliatelle

→ Sauce

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
05 - 8 to 10 fresh sage leaves, chopped
06 - 1 2/3 cups pumpkin puree
07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

11 - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
13 - Fresh sage leaves, optional for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain using a colander.
02 - While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and cook, stirring regularly, for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped sage; sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic.
04 - Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine.
05 - Add grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, blend in reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
06 - Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with sauce and toss until evenly coated. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
07 - Transfer pasta to serving plates and top with toasted walnuts, extra Parmesan cheese, and fresh sage leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
  • Ready in just over half an hour
  • Creamy and rich yet feels light enough for weeknights
  • Lovely contrast of savory sauce and crunchy walnuts
  • Elegant enough for guests but totally easy for family dinners
02 -
  • High in vitamin A and antioxidants for a healthy boost
  • Naturally vegetarian with easy vegan swaps
  • Perfect for make-ahead meal prep freezes beautifully
03 -
  • Always toast your walnuts just before serving for best flavor
  • Grate your own Parmesan for a silkier sauce: it is worth the extra minute
  • Simmer the sauce slowly and never rush or it can taste flat
  • Taste and adjust seasoning twice before serving for a restaurant-style finish

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