Pumpkin sausage ziti

Italian · Pasta · 1 hr · Serves 4

Sweet pumpkin and savory sausage might sound like an odd pair, but they're actually made for each other—especially in this creamy pasta that tastes like autumn comfort on a plate. It's the kind of dish that feels special enough for company but comes together on a regular Tuesday night.

Ingredients

• 1 lbziti pasta
• 6pumpkin sausage links
• 2 tbspolive oil
• 1 mediumonion
• 3garlic cloves
• 1 cuppumpkin puree
• ¾ cupheavy cream
• ½ cupparmesan cheese grated
• ½ cupchicken broth
• 8fresh sage leaves
• to tastesalt and pepper

Method

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

   10 min

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, slice the sausages into thick coins. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sausage on both sides, about 6–8 minutes total. Remove to a plate.

   8 min

3. 3

   In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

   4 min

4. 4

   Stir in the pumpkin puree, broth, and cream. Add the sage leaves and return the sausage to the pan. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.

   5 min

5. 5

   Add the cooked ziti to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Stir in the parmesan cheese, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

6. 6

   Serve warm with extra parmesan and a small sage leaf on top if you like the fancy touch.