Cozy Up with These Delicious Fall Pasta Recipes
Autumn has arrived, bringing with it crisp air, changing leaves, and the irresistible urge to cozy up with a warm bowl of pasta. This season offers a bounty of incredible ingredients perfect for elevating your pasta dishes to a whole new level. Forget those summery salads; we're diving headfirst into rich, comforting, and flavorful fall pasta recipes that will leave you feeling satisfied and warm from the inside out.
Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage Brown Butter
This recipe is the epitome of fall flavors. The creamy butternut squash pairs perfectly with the nutty brown butter and fragrant sage. It's a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, tagliatelle, or pappardelle work well)
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Roast the butternut squash: Toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Make the brown butter: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a light brown and has a nutty aroma. Add the sage leaves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine everything: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the brown butter and sage. Stir in the roasted butternut squash and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Pancetta and Parmesan
This recipe is a delightful twist on classic pumpkin dishes. The salty pancetta adds a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy pumpkin sauce, while the Parmesan cheese provides a sharp and savory finish. It's a hearty and satisfying pasta dish that's sure to become a fall favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 4 ounces pancetta, diced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Cook the pancetta: While the pasta cooks, cook the diced pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the pancetta from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Make the sauce: Add the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and nutmeg to the skillet with the pancetta fat. Stir well and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine everything: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the crispy pancetta and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Apple and Sausage Pasta with Caramelized Onions
Sweet and savory collide in this delightful fall pasta recipe. The combination of caramelized onions, spicy Italian sausage, and crisp apples creates a symphony of flavors that is both unique and satisfying. This dish is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a more sophisticated gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (farfalle, rotini, or fusilli work well)
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Caramelize the onions: Cook the onions in a large skillet over medium heat until softened and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
- Cook the sausage: Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Add the apples: Add the diced apples to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Stir in the broth and vinegar: Stir in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Combine everything: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sausage, apples, and onion mixture. Stir in the parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique fall pasta masterpieces! Happy cooking!
