Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta Sauce

Pumpkin should not be relegated to baked goods only.  It makes an excellent addition to savory dishes like pasta and chili. This sauce is a great alternative to Alfredo but comes together just as quickly.  You can cook the sauce while the water is boiling, then just keep it warm over low heat until your pasta is al dente.  Dinner ready in under 30 minutes - what are you waiting for?

Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pasta Sauce

Serves 4-6
Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into 8 pieces
1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
1 1/2 TBS tomato paste
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne red pepper
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste
1 TBS fresh sage, minced

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan or pot, melt the butter over medium heat.  Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.  Add in the cream cheese and pumpkin and whisk until smooth.  Add the tomato paste, cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cayenne red pepper and stir.

2. Slowly add the milk while whisking quickly to incorporate.  Stir in the parmesan cheese,  salt, and pepper.  Cook over medium heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is the desired consistency, about 5 minutes  Add the sage and cook for 3 minutes.  Serve over your favorite pasta!