Sometimes, I want ice cream for dinner. And by ice cream, I really mean Wink Frozen Desserts.
Except, that's not acceptable when you are the protein princess and know that your body needs protein, veggies AND a good balance of carbs to have happy intestines.
With a bit of inspiration from The Fit Foodie Mama,
I developed this recipe two years ago, loved it, and then somehow forgot all about its deliciousness until now. When I realized eating the pumpkin straight from the can probably wasn't the best use of it as a resource...
This is a VERY versatile recipe and essential is: Sauce + Pasta Option + Protein Option + Heat = EAT
ONLY EAT IT COLD IF YOU ARE WEIRD LIKE ME :) Hence the ice cream reference...and this resembling a similar thick and creamy consistency.
Creamy Pumpkin Purée Pasta Sauce
The consistency you desire will determine if you need to add liquid
Sauce Ingredients
Pumpkin purée (1/4 Can)
Sprinkle of garlic powder, cumin, and onion powder to taste
Splash of water, milk, egg whites, chicken broth/stock
(depending on your preference - water: simply thinning the sauce
- egg whites: more protein, and will thin the sauce
- milk: thin the sauce and increase creaminess
- chicken broth: thin sauce while adding flavor
Pasta - looking for a Noodle Alternative - check my post here
Spaghetti Squash
Zucchini Noodles - Zoodles
Gluten Free Pasta or Regular Pasta
Protein - Pre-cook the protein before adding to the sauce
Ground Turkey (my top choice)
Chicken -quick prep or easy to cook options to add in see below links:
- "Grilled" (for those of you who don't have a grill like me)
- Baked
- Crockpot - to shred
Salmon - grilled or broild
Ground Beef
1. Mix together pumpkin purée, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, and optional: chili powder or paprika for some heat OR Nutritional Yeast for some "cheese"
2. Taste, adjust ingredients if necessary, start preparing noodles, if necessary at this point
3. Add liquid base (see above options) while stirring on low heat in a skillet or sauce pan
(If you are weird like me, you skip this step, put it in the fridge and let chill to eat cold)
4. Heat sauce to a boil, reduce heat
5. TOP your pasta with sauce OR mix in meat and sauce with skillet/sauce pan to immerse it in flavor
6. Serve with a side of your favorite veggie OR mix them in as well :)
- Pumpkin Pasta - yay or nay? Is pumpkin only made for pies?
- What's your "strange but good" craving or recipe?
- Cold or hot sauce for your food?
- Any other ideas on what to do with left over pumpkin?