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Healthy One Pot Pumpkin Alfredo

A creamy and savory pasta dish that's perfect for cool evenings, packed with nutritious ingredients and made in just one pot for quick cleanup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 1 lb bowtie pasta These delightful pasta shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers Sweet and smoky, they add complexity.
  • 8 leaves sage Finely chopped to complement the creamy sauce.
Chicken and Fats
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced Juicy, tender pieces that contribute protein.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Adds rich flavor for sautéing the chicken.
  • 1 tbsp butter Adds richness to the sauce.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Brings an irresistible fragrance.
  • 2 tsp flour Helps thicken the sauce.
  • 1.5 cups evaporated milk Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream Adds extra creaminess.
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree Healthy star ingredient that adds flavor.
  • 1 tsp salt Essential seasoning.
  • 1/2 tsp pepper Elevates all other ingredients.
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated Sharp cheese brings depth of flavor.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Heat a large pot of salted water until it reaches a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside, then dry out the pot with a paper towel.
Sautéing the Chicken
  1. In the same pot, add olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In the now-empty pot, add butter and allow it to melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for another minute.
Creating the Creamy Base
  1. Gradually add evaporated milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. Incorporate pumpkin puree, season with salt and pepper, and whisk in grated parmesan until melted and smooth.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, chopped sage, and roasted red peppers to the sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta, then cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg. For vegetarian options, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas. Feel free to adjust evaporated milk and heavy cream to taste.