Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta

I just love using pumpkin in savory dishes this time of year!  The bright orange goodness pairs perfectly with so many recipes.  In the past, I’ve made things like PUMPKIN & SAUSAGE SOUP and PUMPKIN & SAUSAGE POT PIE.  This time, I kicked it up a notch by adding in chipotle peppers for a spicy pasta dish that my whole family loved!  Now, we used two chipotle peppers which gave us heat, but not enough to upset my little eaters.  That being said, if you’re nervous about serving your kiddos chipotle peppers, use only one (this way, you’ll get the flavor without any kick) or if you really enjoy things hot (which I do!), then I suggest you use three peppers.  Two was a happy spot for our fam, but you can adjust accordingly.  This fall, you MUST include pumpkin in something savory.  I promise you, your family will be very pleased!  And don’t forget, to see my 24 SAVORY & SWEET PUMPKIN RECIPES, click HERE.

This recipe serves four.

Shopping List
1 pound of rigatoni pasta
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
1 pound of Italian style chicken sausages (or use beef or pork), cut into rounds
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
salt and pepper
1 (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can of tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin (I used Libby’s)
1 can of chipotles in adobo sauce, divided
grated Parmesan cheese to garnish

Bring a large pot of water up to a boil for your pasta.  Drop the pasta and cook until al dente (about 6 to 7 minutes).  Drain and reserve.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown up your sausage rounds in about 3 tablespoons of EVOO.  Once they’re browned up on both sides, add in your chopped onion and garlic followed by a big pinch of both salt and pepper.  Continue sauteing until the onions are tender.  Next, stir in your tomatoes, tomato sauce and pumpkin.  Open your can of chipotles and remove as many as you would like.  Chop them on a cutting board and add them to your sauce along with a tablespoon or so of the sauce from the can.  (You can freeze or refrigerate the remaining peppers in the can!)  Reduce heat to low and allow everything to simmer together about five minutes.  After that, drop your cooked pasta into the sauce and stir.  Dish the pasta into bowls and garnish with some grated Parm.

Dinner is FULL of flavor tonight!