Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Recipe

Recipe posted in: Flex Meals & Snacks, Lunches & Dinners, Main Courses
noodles with a creamy pumpkin pasta sauce

Embrace the flavors of fall with this exquisite Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce. This recipe is an alluring blend of savory, creamy and slightly sweet elements that will leave your taste buds begging for more. The use of healthy ingredients not only makes it a hearty feast but also a guilt-free indulgence.

The Main Ingredients

This recipe calls for simple, yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create a sauce that is truly out of this world. Olive oil, minced garlic and dried sage provide an aromatic base. The star of the show, pumpkin puree, lends a subtly sweet note, while nonfat milk and low-fat cream cheese contribute to the velvety texture of the sauce. To finish it off, a sprinkle of black pepper and parmesan cheese adds a delectable kick that rounds off the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

The preparation of this delightful sauce is as straightforward as its ingredients list. Begin by heating olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, it’s time to add the garlic, letting it cook for one to two minutes until it releases its wonderful aroma.

Next, introduce the pumpkin puree, milk and cream cheese into the pan. Allow these ingredients to cook until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce turns smooth.

Finally, season your masterpiece with sage, pepper and parmesan cheese. The result? A creamy, dreamy pasta sauce that is sure to impress.

Pumpkin Sauce Ideas: Serving Suggestions and Customizations

What Goes Well with Pumpkin Pasta Sauce?

The beauty of this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce lies in its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a wide range of pasta types.

Try it with classic spaghetti, toss it with fusilli to capture more sauce in every bite, or layer it in a lasagna for a comforting fall meal. Just be sure to choose whole grain or lentil-based pastas that contain fiber and/or protein.

This sauce also works wonders as a pizza base, replacing the traditional tomato sauce for a unique twist. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not use it as a dip for breadsticks or a spread for sandwiches?

Customizing Your Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

While this recipe is delightful as is, there’s plenty of room for personalization. For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the mix. If you’re a fan of herbs, rosemary or thyme could be a lovely addition.

For a non-dairy version, swap out the milk and cream cheese for almond milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Vegans can substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor.

And if you’re a meat-lover, consider adding some grilled chicken or crispy turkey bacon to your pasta dish for extra protein.

Remember, the best part about cooking is making a recipe your own, so feel free to experiment and adapt this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce to suit your taste buds. Refer to the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide for more inspiration and information on add-ins.

A Must-Try Recipe for Food Enthusiasts

Whether you’re a health enthusiast looking for nutritious options, a pumpkin lover eager to try new recipes, or a pasta fan searching for exciting sauces, this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is a must-try. Its unique blend of flavors, coupled with its easy preparation, makes it a perfect addition to your fall menu. So why wait? Whip up this irresistible sauce today and get ready for an unforgettable autumn dinner.

On a Nutrisystem weight loss plan? You can log each serving of this Pumpkin Pasta Sauce as two Extras in the NuMi app.

Servings: 8

Calories per Serving: 71

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 Extras

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup nonfat milk
  • 2 oz. cream cheese, low fat
  • ½ tsp. dried sage (or 1 Tbsp. fresh)
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Once the pan is hot, add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the pumpkin, milk and cream cheese to the pan. Cook until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Season with sage, pepper and parmesan cheese.
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