I’ve been making this for a few years now, and over time I’ve played with the flavors a little. Pumpkin has great flavor potential, but on its own it can be rather lacking. So I’ve bumped up the amount of spice and added goat cheese, which brings a lovely tang to the party. I’ve cut back on the broth, which further concentrated the flavors, and added some kick with a little crushed red pepper. With a light dusting of grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh sage, our mousy pumpkin pasta took on some attitude! Here’s the recipe….

Pasta with Pumpkin Sauce

Recipe adapted from Rachel Ray

Click here for a printable recipe

1 pound campanelle or penne pasta

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 shallots, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, grated

1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

One 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree

1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half

2 to 3 oz goat cheese

1 tsp salt

½ tsp fresh cracked pepper (or 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper)

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 ½ tablespoon of chopped fresh sage

Grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of salt. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain.

Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, crushed red pepper (if using), and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the broth, pumpkin, salt, pepper and cream. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg and whisk in the goat cheese and 1 tablespoon of the fresh sage. Lower the heat and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Can add a little of the Parmesan cheese here if you like.

Toss the pasta with the sauce, cover and let sit off the heat for 5 minutes or so. Place in a serving bowl and top with the remaining fresh sage and a good dusting of the Parmesan cheese. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese at the table.