Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo and Italian Sausage
This Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo with Italian Sausage combines a velvety pumpkin Parmesan sauce with savory Italian sausage for the ultimate fall comfort food. Finished with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and hot honey, it's an easy pasta dinner that's rich, cozy, and full of flavor.
Servings 6
Calories 678kcal
Ingredients
- 12 oz bucantini noodles or choice of long noodle
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, finely diced
- 1 can of pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
For the topping
- Hot honey
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
- More freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat a large saucepan to medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil, and once hot, add the Italian sausage. Cook for 7-10 minutes, or until fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the box instructions.
- In the same pan you cooked the sausage, add 2 tbsp of butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the shallots and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Add the entire can of pumpkin and stir until well combined.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and half-and-half. Bring to a simmer, whisking continuously, and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Once thickened, gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the Italian sausage and pasta back into the pan, along with some reserved pasta water. Stir until everything is well coated and saucy.
- Top with freshly chopped basil, more parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of hot honey. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 678kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 41g | Fiber: 2g