So it’s official: I got a crush! And not a small one. A HUGE one! His name is Pumpkin, Mr. Pumpkin, and he loves wearing orange. Haha! No, just kidding. But it’s this time of year again when I can’t stop eating pumpkin! I’m a total pumpkin addict. Yesterday, we had this super easy pumpkin pasta with tomatoes and basil for dinner, which totally satisfied my addiction. It’s got both, the sunny and fresh flavors of basil and fresh cherry tomatoes as well as the hearty touch of pumpkin, making it perfect for this time of year!
The pumpkin pasta is ready in less than half an hour, so it’s great for quick weeknight dinners. It feels like the longest part is peeling and cutting the pumpkin. I don’t know about you, but I really hate doing this! I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up with aching muscles one day after an especially big candidate. It feels like really hard work sometimes. Haha! I think I need to get a bigger and sharper knife or at least a new technique. Let me know if you have any tips. ;-)
But this pumpkin pasta with tomatoes and basil is so worth the work!! It’s full of flavors and a blend between summer and fall. For the sauce, I added an onion, garlic, half a cup of white wine (I used Chardonnay), and vegetable broth. If you’re cooking for kids, just leave out the white wine and sub it with more vegetable broth. To give the pasta an extra boost of iron, I topped it off with pumpkin seeds.
Hope you all have a great start into the new week! I love hearing from you!
PS: I promise the next recipe won’t contain any pumpkin. Prepare for something sweet! ;-)
Pumpkin Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
Ingredients
- 9 oz whole wheat penne
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cups pumpkin (about 17 oz), cut into cubes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine I used Chardonnay
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut into halves
- about 30 basil leaves, cut into stripes
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Cook the whole wheat penne according to the instructions on the package. Set aside.
- I a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion for about one minute. Then add the pumpkin cubes and cook for 6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Then deglaze with white wine and vegetable broth and allow it to evaporate. This will take about 10 minutes.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and simmer for 2 minutes. Then stir in the cooked penne and the basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the pasta is heated through. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.
Stacey @ Stacey Homemaker
I;m drooling over here! I want everything pumpkin flavored right now! I’m definitely making this soon! YUM!
Sina
Haha! Sorry for making you drool, Stacey. ;-) I totally agree with you. I can’t get enough of pumpkin either! Let me know how you liked it. :-)
Sabrina
Yum! I love the combination of tomatoes and pumpkin in this pasta!
Sina
So glad you like it, Sabrina! :-)
nelle monaco
this looks incredible! thanks for sharing- such a perfect dish for autumn and excellent photos!
Sina
Thanks, Nelle! :-)
Anne Campbell
This looks like the perfect meal for a crisp fall evening. The color is beautiful, and it looks so flavorful.
Sina
Thanks, Anne! :-) Glad you like it!
Byron Thomas
Wow! This dish is so colourful and appealing!
Sina
Thanks, Byron! :-)
Michelle
Pumpkin is probably one of my best friends too. This is a fantastic fall recipe.
Sina
Thanks, Michelle! :-) I just love pumpkin season!
Jessi Haynes
This looks so delicious! Totally pinning this for later.
Sina
Thanks, Jessi! Let me know how you liked it. :-)
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
I think I’ve got a crush on Mr. Pumpkin too! This pasta looks fantastic! I love the gorgeous colors and zesty flavors. What a perfect fall meal!
Sina
Haha! I guess I’m not the only one, Gayle! Thanks! So glad you like it. :-)
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen
This pumpkin pasta looks amazingly colorful and delicious. Love the idea of combing these 3 heavenly ingredients (pumpkin + basil + tomato).
Sina
Thanks, Anu! :-) I totally agree with you. They really are heavenly.
Sophia @veggies dont bite
I love how fall this is!! Sounds so so good. I’m ready to bring out all my fall stuff too!!
Sina
Thanks, Sophia! Glad you like it. Oh yeah, fall is definitely here! :-) It has been really grey and rainy here in the last couple of days, I hope we soon get some nice and sunny fall days again.
pragati
I have this crush too..love that you are using fresh pumpkin rather than the canned one. Cutting the pumpkin is really such a chore! Pretty photos you have here.
Sina
Haha! I guess I’m not the only one, Pragati! :-) Thanks! So glad you like it!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
We might have to fight over this hunky guy, because I definitely have a crush on him too ;) lol Nah we can share! I love the big pumpkin chunks, I’m not good of thinking up savory pumpkin recipes, but I do love to eat them!
Sina
Haha! Yeah, let’s share. :-) I love both sweet and savory pumpkin recipes! Just can’t get enough of it!
Mandi
Goodness, this looks so vibrant and delicious. I need to make this <3
Sina
Thanks, Mandi! :-) Let me know how you liked it.
Manali @ CookWithManali
This pasta looks so colorful, it’s perfect for this time of the year! Love the flavors!!
Sina
Thanks, Manali! :-) So glad you like it!
Traditionallymodernfood
Perfect recipe for the season
Sina
I totally agree with you! I love pumpkin season! :-)