Imagine whipping up a dish of Pumpkin Rigatoni with a twist of Rosemary Walnut Crispies! This dish combines the silky, savory goodness of pumpkin-coated rigatoni with a delightful crunch from rosemary-infused walnut pieces. It’s a dish that promises to be a hit at any table.
Ingredients:
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For the Pumpkin Rigatoni:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- A squeeze of lemon
- 1 lb. rigatoni
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For the Rosemary Walnut Crispies:
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Rosemary Walnut Crispies:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
- Pulse the walnuts in a food processor until they’re nicely chopped.
- Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 8-10 minutes.
- Once toasted, toss the walnuts with chopped rosemary, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and a dash of black pepper. Let them cool off to the side.
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Pasta:
- Cook the rigatoni as per the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.
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Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce:
- In a skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the garlic and sauté just until it’s fragrant, making sure not to brown it as it can turn bitter.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and broth, and let it simmer until smooth.
- Mix in the heavy cream and salt, continuing to simmer until the sauce thickly coats the back of a spoon.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
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Assemble:
- Toss the cooked pasta in the pumpkin sauce until well coated.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of the rosemary walnut crispies. Add a sprig of rosemary on top for a touch of elegance.
Note:
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and the cream with full-fat coconut milk. This version might be less rich but is equally delightful.
This recipe not only brings a rich and creamy texture to your palate but also a crunchy nuttiness that balances the dish beautifully. Perfect for a cozy dinner!