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Creamy Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta

A silky pumpkin pasta sauce flavored with chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, garlic, and Parmesan. This comforting dinner comes together in about 30–35 minutes and serves 4.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 ounces Short pasta such as penne or rigatoni
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 Small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1–2 chiles Canned chipotle chiles in adobo, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Adobo sauce
  • 15 ounces Plain pumpkin purée
  • 1 cup Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Seasonings
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground cumin, optional
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice, optional
Garnishes
  • As needed Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • As needed Toasted pumpkin seeds
  • As needed Extra Parmesan
  • As needed Cream or olive oil for drizzling

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente according to the package directions, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, and drain.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
  3. Add the minced garlic, chipotle chiles, and adobo sauce. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the pumpkin purée, broth, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cumin. Simmer for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes, avoiding a hard boil.
  6. Add the Parmesan and stir until melted. Taste and adjust the salt, chipotle, and optional lime juice.
  7. Add the drained pasta and toss until coated. Use the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the sauce is smooth and clings to the pasta.
  8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and any desired herbs or toasted pumpkin seeds.

Notes

Use plain pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. Start with one chipotle chile because heat varies between cans, then add more after tasting. Add the cream and Parmesan over low heat to help prevent separation or graininess. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.