From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/5
Pumpkin Vodka Sauce Pasta
Instructions
1
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
2
In a pan over medium heat, melt butter with a dash of olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3
Stir in tomato paste and pumpkin purée. Cook until slightly darkened, about 2–3 minutes.
4
Deglaze with vodka and mix to combine.
5
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
6
Add remaining 1/2 cup heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7
Add cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of pasta water. Stir to emulsify the sauce.
8
Top with extra Parmesan before serving.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Bloom Your Tomato Paste 🍅Toast the tomato paste in butter for 1-2 minutes before adding other ingredients to intensify its umami flavor and eliminate any tinny taste.
- Temper with Pasta Water Strategically 💧Reserve starchy pasta water and add it gradually at the end to emulsify the sauce rather than making it thin—the starch creates that silky, cohesive coating on the pasta.
- Balance Sweetness with Vodka Timing ⏱️Add vodka after the tomato paste and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol while allowing its acidity to cut through the pumpkin's sweetness and prevent an overly cloying sauce.
- Use Fresh Garlic, Not Powder 🧄Mince fresh garlic and bloom it gently in olive oil before building your sauce for bright, complex flavor—save garlic powder only as a backup or finishing touch for depth.
- Finish Off-Heat with Cold Butter 🧈Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in a knob of cold butter and extra Parmesan at the very end to achieve restaurant-quality silkiness and prevent the cream from breaking.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Gluten Free
Low Sugar
Low Carb
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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