Pumpkin, Alfredo, Pasta, Dinner (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil.
02 - ½ cup diced red pepper.
03 - ½ cup diced onion.
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced.
05 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
06 - ½ cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio).
07 - 1 (15.5-ounce) can pumpkin puree.
08 - 1 cup vegetable or chicken stock.
09 - ½ cup reserved pasta water.
10 - 1 teaspoon cumin.
11 - ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder.
12 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika.
13 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
14 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
15 - ½ cup half and half.
16 - ½ cup grated parmesan cheese.
17 - 1 pound fettuccine pasta.

Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat for the pasta.
02 - In a separate large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red pepper, onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes, sautéing until tender, about 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in the white wine and allow it to reduce by half, about 3 minutes.
04 - Add the pumpkin puree, chicken or vegetable stock, and spices. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
05 - Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water and cook the fettuccine until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
06 - Stir in the half and half, reserved pasta water, and grated parmesan cheese into the sauce. The sauce will appear thin but will thicken when the pasta is added.
07 - Allow the sauce to reduce slightly, cooking for 6-8 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Turn off the heat, stir the pasta into the sauce, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
09 - Serve with extra grated parmesan cheese.

Notes:

01 - This smoky pumpkin fettuccine Alfredo is a rich, creamy pasta dish with bold flavors from smoked paprika and chili powder.
02 - The pumpkin adds creaminess while the parmesan brings the classic Alfredo touch.