Spicy Pumpkin Pasta with Cream Cheese

🧂 Ingredients

• 8 ounce Rigatoni or similar pasta
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup onion
• 3 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cups half and half
• ¾ pumpkin puree

  (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes
• chili garlic

  (optional)

Instructions

• 1 Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the
  rigatoni according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water and drain
  the rest.
• 2 Sauté the aromatics: In a large pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil and
  sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened (about 3 minutes).
• 3 Add the pumpkin and spices: Stir in the pumpkin puree and cream cheese, cooking
  for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• 4 Spice it up: Add the chili flakes and optional chili garlic for a spicy kick.
  Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• 5 Create the sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the half-and-half, stirring
  constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• 6 Combine with pasta: Add the drained rigatoni to the pan along with some reserved
  pasta water. Stir until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
• 7 Finish with cheese (optional): Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated
  Parmesan before serving. Add extra chili pepper flakes if you want more heat!

Nutrition Info