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The main ingredients for pumpkin rigatoni are simple yet tasty. You need rigatoni pasta, pumpkin puree, and Gruyere cheese. Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture.

Pumpkin and Gruyere Rigatoni

Warm up your fall evenings with a delicious Pumpkin and Gruyere Rigatoni recipe that brings together creamy pumpkin and rich Gruyere cheese. This cozy dish is not only easy to create but also packed with vibrant flavors and seasonal appeal. Discover essential ingredients, cooking tips, and fun variations to make it your own.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz rigatoni pasta

2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

1 cup grated Gruyere cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried sage

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

      Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Add the pumpkin puree to the skillet, mixing well with the onion and garlic.

          Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the mixture is smooth. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

            Stir in the grated Gruyere cheese until it melts into the sauce, followed by the dried sage, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until reaching your desired consistency.

              Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly with the pumpkin and cheese sauce. Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through.

                Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                  Serve the rigatoni in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Consider sprinkling some extra grated Gruyere cheese on top and a light drizzle of olive oil before serving for an enticing finish. Adding a few small sage leaves as garnish can also enhance the visual appeal.