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Pasta with Pumpkin and Breadcrumbs

17/11/2023

Pasta with pumpkin and breadcrumbs is a tasty and comforting autumn dish, particularly appreciated for its creaminess and the sweet flavor of the pumpkin which pairs well with the crunchiness of the breadcrumbs. Here is the recipe to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 320 g of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or another shape of your choice)
  • 400 g of cleaned pumpkin
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil (q.b.)
  • Salt (q.b.)
  • Black pepper (q.b.)
  • Breadcrumbs (about 4 tablespoons)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
  • Chopped parsley (to taste)

Preparation

  1. Start by cutting the pumpkin into not too large cubes and cook it in a pan with a drizzle of oil and a whole garlic clove. Cook over medium-low heat until the pumpkin becomes soft and starts to fall apart.

  2. Meanwhile, bring a pot with plenty of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the time indicated on the package to achieve al dente.

  3. While the pasta and pumpkin are cooking, take a separate pan and toast the breadcrumbs in a drizzle of oil until they become golden and crispy. Add a pinch of salt and, if you like, some black pepper.

  4. When the pumpkin is cooked, remove the garlic clove and mash the pumpkin with a fork to obtain a rustic cream. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the pumpkin with an immersion blender.

  5. Drain the pasta al dente and transfer it to the pan with the pumpkin cream. Stir well to blend the flavors, adding some pasta cooking water to adjust the creaminess if necessary.

  6. Plate the pasta with added grated Parmesan cheese to taste, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs, and if you like, some chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

Interesting Facts

Pumpkin is a very versatile ingredient in the kitchen and is used in various preparations, from simple veloutés to risottos, from filled pastas like ravioli to sweet dishes such as cakes and cookies. In Italy, pumpkin is the protagonist of many regional recipes, particularly in Lombardy and Veneto, where the culinary tradition has given life to symbolic dishes like Mantovani pumpkin tortelli.

If you have any doubts or would like to know more about this recipe or another variant, feel free to ask!

Pasta with Pumpkin and Breadcrumbs