Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
- In a large skillet, warm the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and tender.
- Introduce the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma.
- Incorporate the pumpkin puree, vodka, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano into the skillet. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to evaporate the alcohol.
- Next, pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring until everything is well blended. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your liking.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Toss the cooked penne into the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you wish. Enjoy your delightful autumnal dish!
Notes
- For a lighter dish, consider swapping half-and-half for the heavy cream and reducing the cheese quantity.
- Enhance the dish by adding cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken for added protein and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg