Pumpkin and Sausage Pasta

17/11/2023

Pumpkin and sausage pasta is a rich and comforting dish, typical of Italian autumn cuisine. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious first course:

Ingredients

320 g of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or another format that holds the sauce well)
400 g of cleaned and cubed pumpkin
300 g of fresh sausage
1 small onion
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable broth or water
Parmigiano or grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
A sprig of rosemary (optional)

Preparation

Start by cutting the pumpkin into evenly-sized cubes and set aside.
Peel and thinly slice the onion, then fry it in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil until it becomes translucent.
Remove the casing from the sausage and crumble it. Add it to the pan with the onion and let it cook until well done and lightly browned.
Add the pumpkin to the sausage and cook for a few minutes. If you like, you can add a sprig of rosemary to further flavor the sauce.
Cover the pumpkin and sausage with a bit of vegetable broth or water and cook with the lid on for about 20 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender. If necessary, adjust with salt and pepper.
In the meantime, cook the pasta in plenty of salted water following the package instructions to achieve the desired doneness.
Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and add it to the pan with the pumpkin and sausage sauce. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with Parmigiano or grated Parmesan cheese if you desire an extra touch of flavor.

Curiosity

This dish perfectly combines the sweetness of the pumpkin with the bold flavor of the sausage. Originating from the central regions of Italy, each family has its own variant, some even include a pinch of nutmeg or some cream to make the sauce even creamier. You can also use different types of pumpkin, such as butternut or Hokkaido, according to your personal preference.

I hope this recipe inspires you for a delicious lunch or dinner! Buon appetito!