Pumpkin Feta Pasta
Pumpkin Feta Pasta is a cozy and delicious dish that combines creamy feta cheese with the natural sweetness of pumpkin, creating a comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this pasta dish not only warms your stomach but also delights your taste buds. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it’s quick to prepare and sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 4 oz feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups spinach or kale (roughly chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in pumpkin puree along with a splash of reserved pasta water, creating a smooth sauce.
- Crumble feta cheese into the sauce, stirring until slightly melted. Add spinach or kale and cook until wilted (approximately 2-3 minutes).
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional feta cheese and optional toasted nuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider roasting fresh pumpkin before adding it to the sauce. Substitute butternut squash for a sweeter variation or add chili flakes for a spicy kick. To keep leftovers fresh, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.