Quick Pumpkin Pasta

Here's a delicious recipe for pasta that is quick and easy.  I'm not sure how healthy it is - it does call for cream, sour cream, and cheese.  You can sub things in though, I'm sure.  I did not choose to sub and made it as is.

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons salted butter
2 cups canned pure (unsweetened) pumpkin puree
2 cups canned chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
2 Tablespoons minced fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup shredded Romano (or Parmesan) cheese
1 pound penne or rotini pasta
1 pound cooked, crumbled sweet Italian sausage, optional

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in butter, over medium heat, until soft, not brown.

2. Whisk in the pumpkin, broth, both creams and seasonings to taste.

3. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

4. Meanwhile, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente.

5. Drain pasta and stir into pumpkin sauce, simmering 2-3 minutes more until thick.

6. Stir in parsley and garnish with Romano, more parsley and sausage, if desired.

Enjoy,

Molly