| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 420 | 21g | 12g | 51g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 4g | 14g | 0.9g |
Why I Love British Pasta with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce
Trawling through my treasure chest of recipes, I stumbled upon a delightful British recipe: Pasta with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce. This isn’t the kind of meal that rolls off my Tex-Mex flavored tongue, but it tickles the tastebuds with its hearty warmth and rich, creamy texture, making it a favorite among my grade school students on a chilly day.
The Inspiration
The inspiration for this recipe came as a bit of a surprise; it wasn’t from one of my Southern Tex-Mex idols but rather Jamie Oliver, a culinary maestro known for his innovative yet reachable approach to British cuisine. The energy he puts into each dish is palpable, and the warmth of this dish reflects that.
The Recipe Magic
Featuring 16 ounces of penne pasta, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 medium-sized onion, minced garlic, a hearty heap of pumpkin puree, creamy heavy cream, a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of nutmeg, this Pasta with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce never fails to delight. Add in a pinch of salt and pepper, garnish with freshly chopped sage for that blast of color and you have a dish that is comfort on a plate.
A Fusion to Remember
While this recipe has its roots in British cooking, I couldn’t resist putting my own spin on it. By incorporating creamy pumpkin sauce into the pasta, I wanted to introduce a familiar yet unexpected element. And you know what? The way the pumpkin puree merges seamlessly with the heavy cream and the Parmesan cheese gives it a unique twist that even the most ardent Tex-Mex fan would give a nod of approval.
Being able to throw together a dish like this, I have the privilege of introducing my students to world cuisines, expanding their palate and culinary understanding. After all, as the saying goes, “variety is the spice of life.”
What You’ll Need
Method
Step One
Start by cooking 16 ounces of penne pasta according to its package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped medium-sized onion to the heated oil. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Step Three
Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pan and cook until it becomes fragrant, which should take around 1 minute.
Step Four
Add 2 cups of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 a cup of grated parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
Step Five
Season your sauce with 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step Six
Bring your pumpkin sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the cooked penne pasta into the saucepan. Stir until all the pasta is nicely coated with the sauce.
Step Seven
Divide the pasta among your serving plates. Garnish each dish with chopped fresh sage if desired.
Step Eight
Finally, serve your pasta with creamy pumpkin sauce hot, and enjoy!
