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Pumpkin Pasta With Spinach And Walnuts

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Pumpkin pasta with spinach and walnuts is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish featuring pumpkin purée, garlic, fresh spinach, and toasted walnuts. It’s a perfect fall-inspired meal that’s both hearty and wholesome.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth or reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 cup plant-based cream or dairy cream
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative (optional)
  • Fresh sage or thyme, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Add garlic and onion (if using), and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  4. Add pumpkin purée and stir until smooth. Gradually add vegetable broth or pasta water, stirring to form a creamy sauce.
  5. Stir in cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
  7. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen.
  8. Fold in toasted walnuts. Stir in Parmesan or vegan cheese, if using.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Canned pumpkin purée makes this dish quick and easy—just ensure it’s unsweetened.
  • To toast walnuts, heat in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, stirring frequently.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or fresh sage for extra autumn flavor.
  • To make it fully vegan, use olive oil, plant-based cream, and dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pumpkin-pasta-with-spinach-and-walnuts/