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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Sausage and Sage

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Sausage and Sage: A Cozy Comfort Meal

This creamy pumpkin pasta with sausage and sage is a comforting dish that captures the essence of fall.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta (Linguine or Fettuccine) Salting the pasta water generously for flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey Sausage Can swap for ground Italian sausage or omit for vegetarian option.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Sage Use dried sage if fresh isn’t available.
  • 2 tablespoon Olive Oil Feel free to substitute with non-dairy butter.
  • 2 tablespoon Butter Non-dairy butter can be used.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced or powdered garlic are both great options.
  • 2 tablespoon Flour Cornstarch is a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1 cup Milk Substitute with non-dairy choices for vegan option.
  • 1 cup Pumpkin Puree Use plain canned pumpkin, not pie filling.
  • 2 tablespoon Tomato Paste Optional but highly recommended.
  • 2 cups Spinach Any leafy green like kale can be used.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can be used for dairy-free alternative.
  • ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg Just a pinch will enhance pumpkin’s flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground turkey sausage and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring in sage and garlic powder. Transfer to a plate, leaving drippings.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic and chopped sage for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Create the Roux: Sprinkle in flour, stirring for about 2 minutes until golden and thickened.
  5. Whisk in the Milk: Gradually pour in milk, whisking to prevent lumps and cooking for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  6. Add the Pumpkin and Spinach: Stir in pumpkin puree and optional tomato paste, then add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  7. Combine Ingredients: Return sausage to skillet, stir in Parmesan, add drained pasta, and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Serve warm with extra Parmesan, nutmeg, and fresh sage for garnish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 6000IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Customize with meat-free options or add favorite spices for extra flavor. Reheat gently with milk or broth for leftover pasta.

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