Simple Nutritious Quick Pumpkin Tomato Pasta Sauce
Servings: 23 servings
Calories:
Simple Nutritious Quick Pumpkin Tomato Pasta Sauce is not merely a culinary creation; it is a health-conscious revelation that ensures your well-being with every delectable bite. Embrace the nutritional richness that defines this sauce. Packed with essential vitamins, antioxidants, and the goodness of nature, each spoonful is a journey into a world of nourishment.
Print Recipe
Equipment
- Meduim Stock Pot or one that can hold at least 4 quarts
- Pasta Strainer
Ingredients
- ½ lb. cooked pasta
- 2 cups reserved pasta water
- 1 can pureed pumpkin
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes, drained, juice reserved
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp agave optional
- ½ tsp salt optional
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or chiffonade basil for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Cook 8 oz of dried pasta in 4 cups of water boiling with 1/2 tsp salt. Once the pasta is cooked, drain reserving 2 cups of pasta water in a separate bowl for use later.
Make the Sauce - Option 1
- For a silkier sauce, in a high-speed blend, puree until smooth the pumpkin, agave, nutritional yeast, juice reserved from the fire-roasted tomato, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. If needed, add more pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Make the Sauce - Option 2
- In a second sauce pot, combine the pumpkin, agave, nutritional yeast, fire-roasted tomato juice reserved, salt, pepper, fire-roasted tomatoes, dried herbs, and nutritional yeast.
Combine Sauce and Pasta
- Add the sauce and fire-roasted tomatoes to the pasta, stirring often over a medium heat unitl warmed through. Add enough pasta water to make the sauce creamy.
- Serve immediately with a sprinkling of chopped parsley or chiffonade basil.
Notes
I usually make this with rigatoni but many other shapes of pasta work too. However, choosing the right pasta shape can enhance the overall dining experience and complement the texture and flavors of your Simple Nutritious Quick Pumpkin Tomato Pasta Sauce. Here are some pasta shapes that pair well with this particular sauce:
Fusilli or Rotini: The corkscrew shape of fusilli or rotini is excellent for holding onto the chunky and flavorful sauce, ensuring that each bite is a perfect balance of pasta and sauce.
Penne: Penne's tubular shape allows the sauce to cling to its surface, creating a satisfying bite. It's a classic choice for hearty pasta dishes.
Farfalle (Bowties): Farfalle not only adds a touch of whimsy to your plate but also provides ample surface area for the sauce to coat each bowtie, delivering a burst of flavor in every mouthful.
Rigatoni: The ridges of rigatoni trap the sauce, making it a great choice for heartier sauces like the pumpkin tomato blend. The sauce adheres to the pasta, creating a delightful texture.
Orecchiette: This "little ear" shaped pasta is perfect for capturing the sauce, creating delightful pockets of flavor. The cup-like shape is great for holding chunky ingredients.
Pappardelle: If you prefer a wider noodle, pappardelle provides a luxurious base for the sauce. The broad surface allows the sauce to coat the pasta generously.
Cavatappi: The spiral shape of cavatappi captures the sauce effectively, and the ridges contribute to a satisfying texture. It's a fun and visually appealing choice.
Gnocchi: While not technically pasta, potato gnocchi pairs wonderfully with pumpkin-based sauces. Their soft, pillowy texture complements the creamy nature of the sauce.
Ultimately, the best pasta shape is a matter of personal preference. Feel free to experiment with different shapes to find the one that resonates with your taste and provides the perfect balance for your Simple Nutritious Quick Pumpkin Tomato Pasta Sauce.
To enhance the nutritional profile and add a burst of flavor to your Simple Nutritious Quick Pumpkin Tomato Pasta Sauce, consider incorporating a variety of vegetables. Here are some suggestions:
Spinach or Kale: Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale for a dose of leafy greens. These greens not only bring vibrant color but also contribute essential vitamins and minerals.
Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Dice or spiralize zucchini or yellow squash to introduce a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a delightful texture.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can impart a savory, umami richness to the sauce. Choose your favorite variety, whether it's cremini, shiitake, or portobello.
Onions and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients are fundamental to many pasta sauces, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Cherry Tomatoes: While the sauce already features tomato, adding halved cherry tomatoes can bring a burst of freshness and an additional layer of sweetness.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned or marinated artichoke hearts can provide a tangy, slightly briny taste and a tender texture.
Remember to adjust cooking times based on the vegetable choices to ensure they are cooked to your preferred level of tenderness. Experiment with combinations to create a pasta sauce that not only delights your taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch.
