Looking for a quick and budget-friendly recipe that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds? Our Creamy Rigatoni with Pumpkin and Chicken Sausage is the answer. This delightful pasta dish not only comes together in a flash but also brings the warm, comforting flavors of fall to your table. Perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that celebrates the best of the season.
Contents
Origin and History
Pumpkin-based dishes have been a comforting tradition across cultures, especially during the autumn months. The creamy texture of pumpkin pairs perfectly with pasta, creating a hearty and indulgent dish. Add in the savory goodness of chicken sausages, and you’ve got a winning combination that’s both delicious and filling.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
When cooking the pumpkin, be sure to cut it into small cubes for quicker and more even cooking. The smoked paprika is optional but adds a subtle smokiness that complements the dish beautifully. Don’t shy away from using the pasta cooking water in the sauce; it helps achieve the perfect consistency and enhances the overall flavor.
Ingredients to make Rigatoni with Pumpkin and Chicken Sausage
When it comes to crafting the perfect Creamy Rigatoni with Pumpkin and Chicken Sausage, selecting high-quality ingredients is key to elevating the flavors of this comforting dish.
- 500g Rigatoni or Pasta with Holes: Opt for a good-quality pasta with ridges to catch the velvety sauce, creating the perfect bite every time.
- 350g Yellow Pumpkin, Peeled, Deseeded, and Diced: Choose a fresh, ripe pumpkin for its sweet and earthy notes. The vibrant color adds visual appeal to the dish.
- 240g Chicken Sausages, Sliced: Select chicken sausages with a hint of herbs or spices for an extra layer of flavor. The savory profile complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- 180g Cream Cheese (e.g., Philadelphia): Invest in a rich and smooth cream cheese to ensure the sauce’s luxurious texture. Philadelphia cream cheese brings a perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess.
- 1 Small Onion, Finely Chopped: A fresh, aromatic onion adds a savory undertone to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 2-3 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for a bold and nutty flavor. This ingredient contributes to the dish’s richness and depth.
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Opt for extra-virgin olive oil to impart a fruity and robust essence to the dish. The oil plays a crucial role in sautéing and enhancing the flavors.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Optional): Elevate the dish with a touch of smoked paprika, adding a subtle smokiness that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin.
- Salt, to Taste: Enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients by using high-quality salt. Adjust according to personal preference.
- Freshly Ground Pepper, to Taste: A dash of freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat and aromatic complexity to the dish. Grind it just before use for optimal flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Beyond the delectable taste, these ingredients bring a wealth of nutrition to the table. Rigatoni provides essential carbohydrates for energy, while the pumpkin offers a rich source of vitamins A and C, supporting immune health. Chicken sausages contribute protein, vital for muscle function, and the combination of cream cheese and Parmesan provides a satisfying dose of calcium and healthy fats.
Now that you’ve assembled these top-notch ingredients, let’s embark on the culinary journey of creating this delightful dish.
How to cook Rigatoni with Pumpkin and Chicken Sausage
Embark on a culinary journey as we guide you through the steps to create the indulgent Creamy Rigatoni with Pumpkin and Chicken Sausage. Prepare to elevate your cooking skills and tantalize your taste buds with this delightful dish.
- Sautéing Savory Sausages: Begin by placing a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and let them sizzle until they achieve a tempting golden-brown hue. This step imparts a rich, savory flavor that will infuse the entire dish with warmth.
- Pumpkin Perfection: As the sausages sizzle, turn your attention to the pumpkin. Peel, deseed, and dice it into bite-sized cubes. This golden nugget of goodness will become the heart of our creamy sauce, offering a sweet and earthy undertone.
- Pasta Precision: While the sausages and pumpkin work their magic, bring a pot of water to a vigorous boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions, generously seasoning the water with salt. This ensures each pasta tube carries the perfect hint of savory goodness.
- Onion Elegance: In a wide saucepan, heat the olive oil to a gentle sizzle. Add the finely chopped onion and let it dance to a golden symphony. This aromatic base sets the stage for the rich flavors to unfold.
- Pumpkin Alchemy: Introduce the diced pumpkin to the sautéed onion, along with a sprinkle of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir this aromatic medley, allowing the flavors to intermingle. To enhance the lusciousness, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of pasta cooking water and cover, letting it simmer for 7-8 minutes.
- Creamy Crescendo: In a blender, perform a culinary alchemy by combining the cooked pumpkin with cream cheese and Parmesan. Blend until the mixture achieves a velvety, golden-hued sauce. This step transforms the humble ingredients into a symphony of creamy perfection.
- Marriage of Flavors: Transfer this golden elixir into a deep frying pan. Add the drained rigatoni and the sautéed chicken sausages, ensuring each element is bathed in the luxurious pumpkin sauce. Should the dish crave more moisture, a splash of reserved pasta cooking water does wonders.
- Presentation Prowess: Serve this culinary masterpiece in a deep dish, allowing the creamy sauce to cradle each rigatoni tube. Crown your creation with a generous sprinkle of finely chopped fresh onion for a burst of freshness and textural contrast.
Enjoying your Dish
As you take your first bite, savor the symphony of flavors— the savory sausages, the creamy pumpkin sauce, and the perfectly cooked rigatoni. Our Creamy Rigatoni with Pumpkin and Chicken Sausage isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of culinary excellence. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitude, each forkful is a journey into a world of comforting indulgence. So, tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the magic unfold in your kitchen. Bon appétit!
Rigatoni with Pumpkin and Chicken Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 grams rigatoni or other pasta with holes
- 350 grams yellow pumpkin peeled from the skin
- 240 grams chicken sausages cut into rings
- 180 grams cream cheese preferably Philadelphia
- 1 piece dry onion finely chopped
- 2 - 3 tablespoon parmesan grated
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- salt
- freshly ground pepper
Για το σερβίρισμα:
- fresh onion cut into slices
Instructions
- Place a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the sliced chicken sausages. Cook until browned.
- Clean the pumpkin, remove the seeds and fibers, and cut it into slices, then into small cubes.
- Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions, adding salt to the boiling water.
- Meanwhile, in a shallow and wide saucepan, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until golden. Add the diced pumpkin, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir well. Then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of pasta cooking water.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it cook for 7-8 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- In a blender, combine the cooked pumpkin with the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Blend until you have a creamy sauce.
- Pour the pumpkin sauce into a deep frying pan and add the drained rigatoni and chicken sausages. Mix well. If the dish appears too dry, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water.
- Serve and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh onion.
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