Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of medium pasta shells or penne
- 1 (15 oz) can of 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 cup of full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup of milk or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or minced fresh garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining the pasta, then set the drained pasta aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the sauce base by melting the butter or heating the olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. If using fresh garlic, sauté it briefly (about 30 seconds) until fragrant.
- Step 3: Combine the pumpkin puree, cottage cheese, milk (or broth), garlic powder, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Step 4: Pour the blended pumpkin-cottage cheese sauce into the saucepan. Heat the sauce over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Store chilled leftovers tightly covered for up to 3 days; expect the high-protein cottage cheese sauce to thicken significantly when cold.
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to restore the pasta's original creaminess and prevent the sauce from breaking.
- Enhance the cozy fall flavor by serving this creamy pasta alongside a crisp side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, or topped with toasted pepitas for satisfying crunch.
- For the silkiest sauce texture, make sure the cottage cheese is blended completely smooth before heating, and use the reserved pasta water sparingly, adding it one tablespoon at a time to nail the perfect consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American