Pumpkin Pasta with Spiced Pecans and Pecorino
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Entree
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • SPICED PECANS
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 and ½ teaspoons honey
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 and ½ teaspoons unsalted butter
  • PUMPKIN PASTA
  • 1 pound whole-wheat penne pasta (approximately 2 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium red onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
  • One 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • ¼ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Pecorino-Romano cheese, plus more for garnish
Instructions
  1. SPICED PECANS: In a small bowl, mix the honey, cayenne, and salt. Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the honey mixture and the pecans and cook for 7-8 minutes, until lightly browned and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. PUMPKIN PASTA: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking water.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onion, garlic and rosemary and cook over medium-low heat until the onion is softened, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a food processor. Add the pumpkin puree and process until smooth about 45-60 seconds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Wipe out the pasta pot. Scrape the pumpkin puree into the pot and cook over medium-low heat until hot. Mix in the yogurt and grated cheese. Add the pasta and the reserved cooking water to the pot and toss to coat thoroughly.
  5. Transfer the pasta to bowls and garnish with spiced pecans, rosemary and Pecorino cheese shavings. Serve right away.
Recipe by Healthy Recipe Ecstasy at https://www.healthyrecipeecstasy.com/pumpkin-pasta-with-spiced-pecans-and-pecorino/