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pumpkin Bolognese

Creamy Pumpkin Bolognese: A Cozy Fall Comfort Food

This creamy pumpkin Bolognese is a delightful twist on a classic pasta sauce, packed with nutrients and comfort for the fall season.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin recommended
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 10 leaves sage fresh or dried
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree can substitute with butternut squash puree
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth low sodium recommended
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil can substitute with fresh
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon omit if desired
For the Protein & Veggies
  • 1 pound lean ground beef, ground turkey or lentils substitute as needed
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
For the Finish
  • ½ cup dry white wine or broth for non-alcoholic
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes preferably no salt added
  • 1 cup milk whole or non-dairy
  • to taste ground black pepper
For Serving
  • pasta any type chickpea or legume-based is nutritious
  • to taste Parmesan cheese for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • medium pot
  • large pot
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for pumpkin Bolognese
  1. In a medium pot, heat over low-medium heat and add olive oil. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and sage leaves. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Stir in pumpkin puree, chicken or vegetable broth, dried basil, and ground cinnamon. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground meat or lentils and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
  4. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and onion is translucent.
  5. Return the browned meat to the pot and pour in dry white wine. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring to deglaze any bits stuck to the bottom.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes and stir thoroughly. Blend the cooled pumpkin mixture until smooth, then combine with the meat-vegetable mix.
  7. Mix in milk and season with ground black pepper. Simmer gently for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, adding broth if too thick.
  8. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Serve topped with pumpkin Bolognese sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Feel free to experiment with ingredients and serve with different types of pasta.

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