Ziti Alla Zucca Ziti with Pumpkin

Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this exquisite Ziti Alla Zucca (Ziti with Pumpkin). This creamy and savory pasta dish combines tender ziti with a velvety pumpkin sauce, enhanced by aromatic garlic, freshly grated nutmeg, and the richness of heavy cream. Fresh sage and Parmesan cheese elevate the dish, creating a perfect balance of earthy and umami notes. The pumpkin is simmered until perfectly soft, then mashed or blended to form a luxurious base, while a touch of reserved pasta water ensures the sauce clings beautifully to every bite. Quick to make in under an hour, this recipe is ideal for cozy family dinners or festive autumn gatherings. Serve it hot and garnished with extra sage and Parmesan for a restaurant-quality presentation!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams ziti pasta
• 500 grams pumpkin (peeled and diced)
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 200 milliliters heavy cream
• 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 leaves fresh sage leaves (chopped)
• 0.25 teaspoons nutmeg (freshly grated)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper (freshly ground)
• 250 milliliters vegetable broth
• 2 liters water
• 1 tablespoon coarse salt (for pasta water)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt to the boiling water.

Step 2

Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.

Step 6

Add the diced pumpkin to the skillet, followed by 250 milliliters of vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Cover the skillet and let the pumpkin simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the pumpkin is soft and easily mashable.

Step 8

Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the softened pumpkin in the skillet until it reaches a creamy consistency. Alternatively, use an immersion blender for a smoother sauce.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low and pour in 200 milliliters of heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is well combined.

Step 10

Season the pumpkin sauce with 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoons of black pepper, and 0.25 teaspoons of freshly grated nutmeg.

Step 11

Add the cooked ziti to the skillet with the pumpkin sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 12

Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh sage leaves. Stir well until the cheese is melted and incorporated.

Step 13

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 14

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh sage, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3608.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2943.3

Total Fat 132.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 56.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 250mg	0%
Sodium 9754.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 362.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.6g	0%
Total Sugars 36.8g
Protein 81.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 941.3mg	0%
Iron 20.7mg	0%
Potassium 2353.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.2%

Protein: 11.0%

Carbs: 48.8%