There’s an undeniable magic in the air as autumn approaches, bringing with it a craving for comfort food that warms the soul. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of fall: our rich and **Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with irresistible Brown Sugar Pecans**. It’s a dish so unexpectedly delicious, you truly have to taste it to believe it.
As I sit here, finding inspiration in the vibrant beauty of Portland, Oregon – seriously, the Pacific Northwest is calling my name with its lush, colorful landscapes – my thoughts drift to the joy of creating seasonal dishes. This year, my excitement is amplified by a fantastic new partnership with Fisher Nuts, a brand whose commitment to quality nuts perfectly aligns with my passion for flavorful cooking. My journey with almonds began with our beloved berry salad with lemon dressing, and pecans found their special place in my heart (and my kitchen!) through this very pasta recipe. It’s a match made in culinary heaven. And honestly, just thinking about this exquisite **pumpkin pasta** is making me incredibly hungry as dinner time approaches!
The excitement for this collaboration escalated when I learned that the incredibly talented Chef Alex Guarnaschelli is also working with Fisher Nuts and will be judging their Fresh Twist Recipe Contest (details below!). Chef Guarnaschelli is known for her impressive culinary prowess and keen palate. While some might find her presence intimidating, I’ve long admired her work. I’ve made her Big Kid Mac and Cheese for years, and it remains a family favorite. When developing this **creamy pumpkin pasta**, I aimed to create something truly Alex-worthy, a dish that combines comforting flavors with a sophisticated twist. I believe this recipe hits all the right notes, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes.
We often associate pumpkin with sweet treats like pies and lattes during the autumn and winter months. However, it’s crucial to remember that pumpkin is, at its heart, a versatile squash that shines beautifully in savory applications. If you’ve never ventured beyond pumpkin pie, you’re missing out on a world of flavor! Take, for instance, Cassie’s pumpkin grilled cheese – a testament to pumpkin’s savory charm. This **Creamy Pumpkin Pasta** stands as another prime example. The sauce for this dish comes together with remarkable ease, making it a perfect solution for those hectic school nights when you need something spectacular but quick.
Between sports practices, music lessons, dance classes, and all the other activities that fill our fall schedules, coupled with the crisp, chilly air, I constantly seek recipes that are both incredibly satisfying and ridiculously simple to prepare. This **Pumpkin Pasta recipe** fits the bill perfectly. You begin by lightly toasting pine nuts, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor and aroma. Next, a quick sauté of minced garlic and onion in rich, melted butter forms the fragrant base of our luxurious sauce.
Once your aromatic foundation is ready, the star ingredient — pumpkin puree — is stirred in and gently heated. This simple step unlocks the pumpkin’s inherent sweetness and earthy notes. For a truly silky smooth sauce, transfer the mixture to a blender and process until it reaches your desired consistency. Then, return this vibrant orange puree back to the saucepan. Reintroduce it to heat and gradually whisk in the heavy cream, which contributes an unparalleled richness, along with chicken broth to lighten the texture slightly and add another layer of savory depth. And, of course, no creamy pasta sauce is complete without a generous helping of Parmesan cheese, because, as we all know, cheese truly makes the world go ’round! Continue whisking until the sauce is beautifully smooth and thoroughly combined. The aroma alone will have your taste buds tingling in anticipation.
Just look at that magnificent, velvety sauce! It’s pure culinary comfort. Come on, Alex Guarnaschelli – tell me you wouldn’t be tempted by a forkful of that! While the sauce simmers to perfection and the pasta cooks to al dente, our attention turns to the truly unique and **fantastically unexpected pecan topping**. This crunchy, sweet, and slightly salty element is what elevates this dish from simply delicious to absolutely unforgettable.
While your **creamy pumpkin sauce** is reaching its peak and the pasta is boiling, it’s time to prepare the star topping: the candied brown sugar pecans. Start by roughly chopping your Fisher pecans. Then, toast them gently in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and lightly browned. This step intensifies their natural nutty flavor. Once the pecans are warm to the touch, add a pat of butter to the skillet, letting it melt and coat the nuts. Immediately sprinkle in brown sugar and a touch of cinnamon. Stir quickly to ensure the pecans are evenly coated and the sugar begins to melt and caramelize. Be careful not to burn them! Once beautifully coated, quickly transfer the nuts onto a sheet of parchment paper to cool. As they cool, they will become wonderfully crunchy. Just before serving, sprinkle these delightful candied pecans generously over your finished **creamy pumpkin pasta**. The contrast of the sweet, crunchy nuts against the savory, smooth pasta is nothing short of brilliant.
As savvy food enthusiasts know, the harmonious pairing of salty and sweet flavors has become a major culinary trend, and for good reason—it simply works magic on the palate. Yet, there are still some dishes where this delightful flavor combination is surprisingly underutilized, particularly in savory categories like soups and pasta. We often see it pop up in sandwiches, like Oprah’s Favorite Grilled Cheese with its hint of honey, or in decadent cookies such as these salted brown butter chocolate chip cookies stuffed with dulce de leche and Nutella. Even breakfast embraces it wholeheartedly with dishes like these apple bacon waffles. But all too often, pasta and soup are overlooked for this exciting flavor dynamic.
Well, I certainly don’t forget them! Our very own golden loaded potato soup features a subtle drizzle of honey that elevates its savory notes to new heights. Now, we introduce this incredible **Creamy Pumpkin Pasta**, a dish that tastes like the very definition of autumn, enlivened by unexpected bursts of brown sugar sweetness from the pecans and the savory depth of salty Parmesan cheese. It’s truly an amazing combination, and I cannot wait for you to experience these recipes. I highly recommend you pin each one to save it for later and then come back to let me know which is your favorite!
And because Fisher Nuts generously informed me about their fantastic contest, and I would be absolutely thrilled if one of my wonderful readers won, here are the exciting details!
Fisher Nuts Fresh Twist Recipe Contest Details
- **How to Enter:** Submit your original recipe on www.myfreshtwist.com.
- **Entry Period:** Now through October 22nd.
- **Voting Period:** Consumers can vote for their favorite recipe from October 22nd to November 5th.
- **Winner Announcement:** Chef Alex Guarnaschelli and a panel of judges will select the grand prize winner from the top ten finalists, with the announcement on November 22nd.
Prizes You Can Win!
Grand Prize Winner:
- A trip for two to New York City, including airfare, dinner, and luxury accommodations.
- A personal meet-and-greet with the renowned Chef Alex Guarnaschelli.
- An exclusive opportunity for Chef Alex Guarnaschelli to sign a copy of her acclaimed debut cookbook, Old-School Comfort Food.
- $500 in cash to enjoy your NYC adventure!
9 Semi-Finalists:
- A $100 Visa gift card.
- A signed copy of Chef Alex Guarnaschelli’s cookbook, Old-School Comfort Food.
Weekly Prizes:
- Assorted Fisher Nut Products.
- A copy of Chef Alex Guarnaschelli’s cookbook, Old-School Comfort Food.
Is Pumpkin Good For You? Discover the Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Beyond its delicious taste, pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s truly loaded with essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, and a significant amount of vitamin C. These components are not only beneficial for overall well-being but are particularly good for heart health, helping to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Incorporating pumpkin into savory dishes like this pasta is a fantastic way to boost your nutrient intake during the colder months.
Can Pumpkin Puree Be Frozen? Storage Tips for Pumpkin Puree
Absolutely, pumpkin puree is incredibly freezer-friendly! To ensure long-lasting freshness, you can freeze pumpkin puree in airtight, freezer-safe containers or sturdy plastic freezer bags. For convenience, consider freezing it in smaller, pre-portioned amounts (e.g., in ice cube trays or half-cup servings) so you can easily thaw just the right amount for future recipes. Properly stored, pumpkin puree will retain its quality and flavor for several months, making it easy to enjoy pumpkin long after the fall harvest season ends.
Where Do Pine Nuts Come From? The Origin of These Delicate Nuts
Pine nuts, those small, delicate, and buttery nuts, are actually harvested from the cones of certain species of pine trees. The most common varieties that produce edible pine nuts are typically the Stone pine (Pinus pinea) and the Swiss pine (Pinus cembra). While pine trees grow globally, a significant portion of the world’s commercial pine nut supply traditionally comes from various regions across Europe, as well as Asia and North America. Their unique flavor adds a wonderful dimension to both sweet and savory dishes, as highlighted in this **Creamy Pumpkin Pasta**.
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Brown Sugar Pecans
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
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Ingredients
- 8 Ounces or 1/2 box of Campanelle Pasta
For the Sauce
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 1/4 Cup Pine Nuts
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Minced, Dry Onion
- 1 Cup Pumpkin Puree
- 3/4 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Stock
- 1/4-1/3 Cup Parmesan, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
- Salt to taste
For the Nuts
- 1/4 Cup Pecans, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
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In a small skillet, add the garlic cloves with their peels on.2 Cloves Garlic
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Cook, turning occasionally, until the garlic cloves turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat.
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In the same skillet (or a separate one if preferred), add the pine nuts and toast them over medium heat until lightly golden and aromatic. Set aside.1/4 Cup Pine Nuts
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Once the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, peel and finely mince it.
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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, minced dry onion, and toasted pine nuts. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree and combine well.2 Tablespoons Butter, 1 Tablespoon Minced, 1 Cup Pumpkin Puree
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Carefully transfer the pumpkin mixture from the skillet into a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
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Pour the blended sauce back into the large skillet. Add the heavy cream, chicken stock, grated Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg.3/4 Cup Heavy Cream, 1/2 Cup Chicken Stock, 1/4-1/3 Cup Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
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Whisk all the ingredients together in the skillet until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Season with salt to taste. For reference, we used about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, but if you’re using regular table salt or sea salt, start with 1-2 teaspoons and adjust as you go, tasting carefully.Salt to taste
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Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your Campanelle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.8 Ounces or 1/2 box of Campanelle Pasta
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While the pasta and sauce are cooking, prepare the pecan topping. In a small, separate skillet, add the chopped pecans and heat them through over medium heat until lightly toasted and fragrant.1/4 Cup Pecans
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Add the butter to the skillet with the pecans and cook until melted, coating the nuts.1 Tablespoon Butter
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Quickly stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until the nuts are well coated and the sugar begins to melt and caramelize slightly.1 1/2 Tablespoon Brown Sugar, 1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon
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Immediately spread the candied pecans out onto parchment paper to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.
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Add the cooked pasta directly to the creamy pumpkin sauce in the large skillet. Toss or fold gently to combine, ensuring every strand is coated. Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkling of the crunchy brown sugar pecans. Enjoy this perfect taste of autumn!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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