Description
A creamy and flavorful Pumpkin Cacio e Pepe recipe that combines tender pasta with a rich pumpkin and cheese sauce, accented by garlic, black pepper, and nutmeg for a comforting autumn-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta and Water
- 1/2 pound pasta of your choice (campanelle recommended)
- 1 to 2 cups reserved pasta water
Sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus extra for topping
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely grated pecorino cheese
- Parmesan shavings for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, add the finely minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. Toast the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Add Pumpkin Puree: Stir in the pumpkin puree to combine it evenly with the garlicky butter mixture.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of the reserved pasta water, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to fully coat with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the finely grated parmesan and pecorino cheeses, tossing continuously until the cheeses melt and create a creamy sauce. Add more reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
- Serve: Immediately plate the pasta and garnish with extra parmesan shavings and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water carefully; its starch content helps create a smooth, silky sauce.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust pumpkin puree quantity to your taste preference for a stronger or milder pumpkin flavor.
- Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as campanelle or orecchiette.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe (about one cup of pasta)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
