Pasta with Pumpkin and Breadcrumbs Recipe
Category: First Courses
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rigatoni | 320g |
| Pumpkin | 400g |
| Shallot | 20g |
| Fresh Basil | 3 leaves |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 60g |
| Pumpkin Seeds | 15g |
| Breadcrumbs | 40g |
| Sea Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
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Begin by preparing the pumpkin: peel off the skin and cut it into slices. Proceed by slicing these pieces into small cubes of uniform size to ensure even cooking. Set the pumpkin aside.
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In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta.
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While the water is heating up, take a large non-stick frying pan and pour in 50g of extra virgin olive oil. Add the finely chopped shallot and heat over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. It should take around 5 minutes for the shallot to become golden and fragrant.
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Once the shallot is golden, add the pumpkin cubes to the pan, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the pumpkin cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and takes on a rich golden color.
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By now, the water should be boiling. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the instructions on the package, keeping it slightly firm (al dente). Be sure to save a ladleful of the pasta cooking water.
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In another pan, heat a little olive oil and toast the breadcrumbs until they become golden and crispy. Once they are done, add the pumpkin seeds and allow them to toast for 1 to 2 minutes, until they become slightly crunchy. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it directly into the pan with the cooked pumpkin. Stir well to coat the pasta with the pumpkin sauce, adding a ladle of the reserved pasta water to help create a silky texture.
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If necessary, add more pasta water to achieve the desired consistency of the sauce. Toss the pasta gently to ensure everything is combined and well-seasoned.
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Finally, add the toasted breadcrumbs and pumpkin seeds to the pasta. Stir again to incorporate the crunchy elements into the dish.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve the pasta warm, ready to be enjoyed.
Serving Suggestion:
This vibrant and hearty pasta dish is a perfect fall recipe, combining the creamy texture of pumpkin with the crunch of breadcrumbs and pumpkin seeds. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine or a light salad on the side.
Enjoy your Pasta with Pumpkin and Breadcrumbs—a comforting and satisfying meal with rich flavors that will leave you craving for more!
