PUMPKIN FETTUCCINE ALFREDO

PUMPKIN FETTUCCINE ALFREDO image

Categories Squash

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/2 pound (8 ounces) whole wheat fettuccine (linguine would also work)
1 generous tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon flour
2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary, plus more for sprinkling on top (a 3-inch sprig of rosemary should do it)
2 cups low-fat milk
3 ounces goat cheese cheese, cut into big chunks
1 cup pumpkin puree*
pinch red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
shaved Parmesan cheese for topping

Steps:

1. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente (consult directions on package). Drain and set aside. 2. Heat a 10 to 12-inch saucepan over medium heat and add butter. Once sizzling, whisk in flour and stir to create a roux, until bubbly and golden, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add in milk, rosemary and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly and increase the heat a little bit, if necessary, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 5-6 minutes. 3. Add in goat cheese, pumpkin, cinnamon, salt and pepper, whisking until smooth and thickened into a sauce. Season with additional salt (don't be shy) and pepper to taste. Add cooked pasta to pan and toss to combine. Remove from heat and serve immediately; top each serving with a sprinkle of finely chopped rosemary (necessary), red pepper flakes (optional, if you like spice like me) and Parmesan shavings. Notes Serves two generously or three to four with sides. Whole wheat noodles work particularly well here because they retain more of a bite and lend texture to a dish that might otherwise end up mushy. I used Mara's Pasta fettuccine, which I like, but any brand will do. If you don't like goat cheese, let me first say that I don't understand you even though I used to be one of you but I still love you. Try substituting mascarpone cheese or cream cheese or any melty cheese (fontina would be good) for the goat cheese. Gently reheat leftovers with a splash of milk. *To make your own pumpkin purée: preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a sharp chef's knife to cut off the top-most part of the pumpkin where it meets the stem. Slice the pumpkin into two, from the top through the bottom. Use a large metal spoon to scoop out the seeds, reserving them for roasted pumpkin seeds if you'd like. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush the flesh of the pumpkin halves with a light coating of olive oil and place facedown on