Recipe: One-Pan Creamy Pumpkin, Sausage and Spinach Pasta

Serves 6.

Note: Pumpkin may seem like a strange ingredient in pasta, but Italians know how delicious it is in savory dishes like this one with sausage, spinach and a generous amount of fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. From Meredith Deeds.

• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 lb. bulk Italian sausage

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 12 oz. dried cavatappi or other pasta

• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

• 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes

• 1 c. canned pumpkin purée

• 1/2 c. heavy cream

• 1/4 c. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving

• 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Directions

Heat butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion begins to brown. Lower the heat to medium and continue to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the onion is browned.

Add sausage and cook, breaking up with the back of a wooden spoon, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until cooked through. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Stir in the pumpkin and cream and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until sauce is slightly thickened and pasta is tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in spinach and Parmesan.

Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with more Parmesan cheese on the side.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories590Carbohydrates58 gProtein26 gFat28 gSaturated fat13 gCholesterol80 mgSodium610 mg

Added sugars1 g