Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta

by | Oct 23, 2018 | Lunch/Dinner, Uncategorized

Fall-inspired high protein pasta dish bursting with antioxidants and fibre.

With fall in full swing, I have been looking for ways to include more pumpkins, apples and cinnamon into my cooking. This pumpkin ricotta pasta sauce was a delicious twist on your typical pasta dish and a way to use pumpkin in a savory instead of sweet recipe.

It’s full of vegetables including pumpkin, kale, onions and mushrooms. The antioxidants from these foods will help you stay healthy as we approach cold and flu season.

You can use 100% whole grain pasta or a gluten-free alternative, but I love using a bean pasta as they contain more protein and fibre. These two nutrients help me stay satisfied longer. In this dish, I used Explore Cuisine Green Lentil Penne (purchased from The Bulk Barn). I also love Banza Pasta (found at Bulk Barn in Canada) or Chickpea Pasta (Found at Costco). I have also seen Red Lentil Penne.

The pumpkin ricotta dressing is slightly sweet and savory with lots of herbs and spices which also have many health benefits.

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Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta

Ingredients

  • 1 box Lentil or Chickpea Pasta
  • 1/2 head kale, chopped
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced
  • 1 cup cremini mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • olive or avocado oil for cooking

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

  • 1.25 cup pumpkin puree
  • .75 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1-2 tsp dried basil, parsley, rosemary, garlic powder, sage
  • Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (include juices)
  • 2-3 tbsp milk or water (to thin)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil water and cook pasta according to package directions.

  2. Meanwhile, mix together the pasta sauce ingredients in a bowl with a fork. Mix well to combine. Adjust spices to taste.

  3. Heat oil in a frying pan to medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for a few minutes until translucent. Add mushrooms and cook until soft. Add kale and cook for 1 minute or until wilted. Turn down to low heat.

  4. Add cooked pasta once kale has been cooked. Add pasta sauce and heat on low until sauce is warmed. Enjoy!

Happy cooking!

– Andrea Docherty