Creamy Spaghetti in Roasted Pumpkin Sauce

Comforting and creamy, this delightful vegetarian dish combines the earthy flavor of roasted pumpkin with rich cream and tangy tomato puree. A perfect, cozy dinner option for fall evenings.

Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Roasted Pumpkin Sauce:

• 2 cups Kaddu (Parangikai/Pumpkin), diced
• 1 cup Homemade tomato puree
• 1/2 cup Fresh cream
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 sprigs Basil leaves, roughly torn
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper powder

For the Pasta:

• 2 cups Durum wheat spaghetti pasta, cooked
• 1/2 tsp Red chili flakes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Make the Roasted Pumpkin Sauce:

   • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
   • Add the diced pumpkin to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin becomes soft and takes on a roasted texture.
   • Remove the pan from heat and allow the roasted pumpkin mixture to cool.
   • Transfer the cooled pumpkin to a blender, add the tomato puree, fresh cream, salt, and black pepper powder. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set the sauce aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 tsp of salt.
   • Add the durum wheat spaghetti to the boiling water and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until al dente.
   • Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and run the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle a little oil on top and toss to prevent sticking.

3. Combine and Serve:

   • Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add red chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and the roasted pumpkin sauce. Stir well to combine.
   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss until well coated in the sauce.
   • Sprinkle grated Parmesan and basil leaves on top, then serve immediately.

Serving Suggestion:
Serve this Spaghetti Pasta in Roasted Pumpkin Sauce with a side of Pizza Margherita and a glass of wine for a perfect weekend dinner with friends or family.

Enjoy the rich flavors of roasted pumpkin in this comforting, creamy pasta dish!