# Creamy Pumpkin Sausage Pasta

## Ingredients
### For the pasta and sauce
- `1` lb rigatoni
- `2` tablespoons olive oil, divided
- `1` lbs sweet Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
- `1` shallot, diced
- `2` cloves garlic, minced
- `1` tablespoon tomato paste
- `1` 15-oz can pumpkin puree
- `1/2` cup heavy cream
- `1` teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- `1/4` teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- `1/4` teaspoon red chili flakes
- `1/8` teaspoon ground nutmeg
- `1/2` cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- parsley, chopped, for topping
### For the brown butter walnut sage topping (optional)
- `3` tablespoons butter
- `1` cup walnuts, roughly chopped 
- `3` tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- `1/2` teaspoon kosher salt
## Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, make the sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, break it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's just cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until the shallots begin to soften.
- Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in the canned pumpkin, heavy cream, salt, pepper, nutmeg, chili flakes, and parmesan cheese. Let simmer for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- To a small skillet over medium-low, add the butter. Cook, whisking often, for about 6-7 minutes until the butter has turned golden brown. Add the chopped walnuts and sage and cook for 5 minutes until toasted. Turn off the heat.
- Add the cooked pasta, cooked sausage, and 1/4 cup pasta water to the pumpkin sauce and stir until well-coated. If needed, add more pasta water until the sauce is creamy and glossy. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired. 
- Serve pasta in shallow bowls with the crispy walnut sage topping, more parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of parsely on top. Enjoy!

Servings: 6

Category: Meals

Link: https://broccyourbody.com/creamy-pumpkin-sausage-pasta/

Tags: Pasta, Meat