Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking for a rich and comforting pasta sauce that is both creamy and bursting with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is your go-to. The combination of pumpkin, garlic, and peppers blended with the smoothness of cream cheese creates a velvety sauce that can elevate any pasta dish, from lasagna to spaghetti. This recipe is quick, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Here’s how you can make it from scratch!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kaddu (Parangikai/Pumpkin) – peeled and diced | 500 grams |
| Garlic – finely chopped | 4 cloves |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) – finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Milk | 200 ml |
| Britannia Cream Cheese (flavored with jalapeno or peppers) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutrition Information:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 200 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Sugars | 6g |
Preparation Time:
| Time | 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Prep | 5 minutes |
| Cook | 25 minutes |
Servings:
1 Serving (This recipe can easily be scaled to suit more servings by adjusting the ingredients proportionally.)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need to make your creamy pumpkin sauce. Peel and dice the pumpkin (Kaddu/Parangikai) into small cubes, finely chop the garlic and red bell pepper, and have your milk and cream cheese ready. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large wok or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and red bell pepper to the pan, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. After about 1 minute, add the diced pumpkin and sprinkle a pinch of salt over the mixture. -
Simmer the Vegetables:
Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the pumpkin and peppers cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pumpkin should become tender and soft during this time. You’ll know it’s cooked when you can easily mash it with a fork or spoon. -
Blend the Sauce:
Once the pumpkin is cooked and softened, remove the pan from the heat. Let it cool slightly for a few minutes before transferring the mixture into a blender. If your blender is not designed to handle hot ingredients, allow the mixture to cool completely before blending. -
Add the Creaminess:
Add 200 ml of milk and 1/4 cup of cream cheese to the blender along with the pumpkin and peppers. Blend everything together until you have a smooth and creamy puree. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Your creamy pumpkin pasta sauce is now ready to be used! Pour the sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for a rich and flavorful lasagna. It also makes an excellent sauce for roasted vegetables or even as a topping for baked potatoes. -
Store Leftovers:
If you have any leftover sauce, transfer it to a glass jar or bottle and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat the sauce gently before serving it again for a quick and easy meal.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, try using a spicier variety of cream cheese or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder.
- Make it vegan: You can easily make this recipe vegan by using a plant-based cream cheese alternative and dairy-free milk (such as almond or oat milk).
- Herb additions: Fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary pair wonderfully with the pumpkin in this sauce. You can add them to the cooking mixture or blend them into the sauce for added depth of flavor.
- Pasta Suggestions: This sauce works beautifully with a variety of pasta shapes. For a hearty dish, try it with rigatoni or pappardelle, which can hold the creamy sauce well. If you prefer a lighter option, spaghetti or penne are excellent choices too.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is an indulgent yet light sauce that makes for a perfect accompaniment to pasta, lasagna, or roasted dishes. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires just a few ingredients, and can be stored for later use, making it both convenient and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing a meal for a family, this recipe will add a comforting, seasonal touch to your dining table.
