The harmony of flavors in this Pumpkin Parmesan Sauce is truly a revelation. The earthy sweetness of the pumpkin puree is perfectly complemented by the salty, nutty Parmesan cheese, while the richness of the heavy cream creates a luxurious texture. With a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, this sauce offers a subtle warmth and depth, making it both comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pumpkin: If you’re using fresh pumpkin, roast or boil the pumpkin until tender and then blend it into a smooth puree. Canned pumpkin is also a good alternative and saves time.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the garlic or garlic powder. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Pumpkin Puree: Stir in the pumpkin puree, ensuring it combines well with the butter and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the pumpkin to warm up and release its flavor.
- Mix in the Spices: Add the ground nutmeg and cinnamon. These spices add warmth and depth to the sauce without overpowering the savory notes. Stir to combine.
- Incorporate the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking to make sure the mixture becomes smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, thickening slightly.
- Add the Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted. The cheese will give the sauce a rich, creamy texture with a salty bite that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
- Adjust Consistency: At this point, the sauce might be quite thick. Slowly add the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, add less; for a thinner, silkier sauce, add more.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to your preference. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. The saltiness from the Parmesan might be enough, but a little extra salt can enhance the overall flavor.
- Serve: Pour the pumpkin Parmesan sauce over your favorite pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or linguine), or use it as a sauce for roasted vegetables, chicken, Garnish with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use fresh Parmesan and grate it yourself.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, increase the garlic or use fresh minced garlic.
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil, the heavy cream with coconut cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
