Description
This comforting dairy-free autumn dish combines the creamy, earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree with the savory, spiced kick of Italian-style turkey or beef sausage. Using the starchiness of reserved pasta water to emulsify, the sauce reaches a silky, velvet-like consistency without the need for heavy cream. It is a quick, sophisticated, and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights, capturing the seasonal essence of fall in every bite.
Ingredients
16-ounce package rigatoni pasta
1 pound sweet Italian-style turkey or beef sausage (casing removed)
1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions.
Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the Italian sausage.
Brown the sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon until fully cooked through.
Add the minced garlic and diced shallot to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Stir in the pumpkin puree, red pepper flakes, and fresh sage, cooking for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Add the reserved pasta water to the sauce and stir until reaching a smooth, creamy consistency.
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss well to coat every ridge of the pasta with the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure your Italian sausage is clearly labeled as turkey or beef to keep the recipe strictly non-pork. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a small splash of water to loosen the sauce as the pasta will absorb the moisture over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg