Creamy Pumpkin Vodka Sauce & Penne: A Spooktacular Halloween Delight

Introduction:

As Halloween approaches and the crisp autumn air carries whispers of spooky festivities, it’s time to conjure up a deliciously eerie treat for your taste buds. Our Creamy Pumpkin Vodka Sauce & Penne is the perfect potion to delight your senses this Halloween season. This bewitching recipe combines the enchanting flavor of pumpkin with the velvety allure of vodka sauce, making it a spine-tingling dish to enjoy before or after your Halloween adventures. Let’s dive into this comforting and hauntingly delicious autumn recipe.

PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Ingredients:

For the Creamy Pumpkin Vodka Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon dried sage

For the Penne Pasta:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• Salt for pasta water
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Penne Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Creamy Pumpkin Vodka Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Pumpkin Puree:
   • Stir in the pumpkin puree and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, allowing it to heat through.
4. Incorporate Cream and Vodka:
   • Pour in the heavy cream and vodka, and stir to combine.
   • Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Season and Finish:
   • Add the grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, dried sage, salt, and black pepper to the sauce.
   • Stir until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy pumpkin vodka sauce.
   • Gently toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce.
   • Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the pasta thoroughly.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   • Spoon the creamy pumpkin vodka sauce and penne pasta onto serving plates.
   • If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your Creamy Pumpkin Vodka Sauce & Penne, a delightful autumn-inspired pasta dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds!

• If you’re a fan of pumpkin recipes, check out our Halloween recipes.
• Learn more about the history and origin of penne pasta on Wikipedia.
• Explore more fall-inspired recipes on Food Network.

Conclusion:

Creamy Pumpkin Vodka Sauce & Penne is a perfect fall comfort food that combines the warmth of pumpkin with the richness of vodka sauce. It’s a delightful dish that captures the essence of the season and is sure to become a favorite in your autumn recipe collection. Give it a try, and savor the flavors of fall!