Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

YIELD: 2 to 3 servings (see notes)
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 20 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces whole wheat fettuccini (or any other long, thin noodle, such as linguine or spaghetti)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups nonfat milk
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 3 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into chunks and at room temperature (do not use fat free)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch ground cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, drain pasta, and set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot and sizzling, add the flour, then whisk constantly until it turns a golden color and smells nutty. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Slowly pour in the milk a few splashes at a time, whisking constantly to smooth any clumps. Increase the heat to medium high, then let cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce bubbles and thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the pumpkin, cream cheese, half of the chopped sage leaves, salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne. Continue whisking until the cream cheese melts and you have a smooth, rich sauce. Taste and add additional salt and pepper as desired.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and gently toss to combine. Thin the pasta with a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed if it seems too thick or sticky. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan and the remaining sage.

source:https://www.wellplated.com