Description
This Pumpkin Cacio e Pepe is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines pumpkin purée with the classic Italian flavors of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and cracked black pepper. Enhanced with a hint of nutmeg and garlic, this easy-to-make sauce is tossed with bucatini pasta for a perfect balance of rich, savory, and subtly sweet flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal dish for fall or any time you crave a delicious twist on traditional cacio e pepe.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces bucatini
- 1 1/2 cups pasta water (reserved)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bucatini and cook until just al dente, about 8-9 minutes, or one minute less than package instructions. Before draining, reserve 2 cups of the pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Pumpkin and Spices: Stir in the pumpkin purée, freshly cracked black pepper, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the mixture to combine thoroughly.
- Create the Sauce Base: Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water while continuously whisking, forming a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked and drained bucatini to the skillet. Toss well to coat every strand of pasta in the pumpkin sauce.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses over the pasta. Continue to toss the pasta until the cheeses melt completely into the sauce, creating a rich and velvety texture.
- Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time and toss until the desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or Pecorino shavings for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor and aroma in the sauce.
- To make pumpkin purée at home, roast pumpkin chunks until tender and blend until smooth.
- Reserve pasta water is essential as it helps to bind and emulsify the sauce, giving it a perfect creamy consistency.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
- Feel free to substitute bucatini with other long pasta like spaghetti or linguine if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
