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Pumpkin Bolognese

Creamy Pumpkin Bolognese That Elevates Cozy Dinner Nights

A deliciously creamy Pumpkin Bolognese that offers a hearty twist on a classic, ideal for a cozy dinner experience.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes oil-packed for added richness
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 6 leaves Sage Leaves
  • 1 cup Pumpkin Puree canned for convenience
  • 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or Ground Turkey or lentils for a vegetarian option
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 2 medium Carrots diced
  • 2 stalks Celery chopped
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine can substitute with more broth
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes no-salt-added
  • 1 cup Milk of Choice dairy or non-dairy
  • to taste Ground Black Pepper
  • 12 ounces Pasta any type
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • Large pot
  • wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Pumpkin Bolognese
  1. Heat a medium pot over low to medium heat. Add olive oil, then sauté sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and sage until fragrant, about 3–5 minutes.
  2. Stir in pumpkin puree, broth, dried basil, and cinnamon. Bring to a low simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
  3. In a large pot, heat over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
  4. Add a splash of olive oil in the same pot and sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 8–10 minutes until soft.
  5. Return the cooked meat to the pot. Pour in white wine to deglaze, scraping up brown bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes and pumpkin blend to the pot, stirring until well combined.
  7. Pour in milk of your choice and season with black pepper. Simmer gently for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with the sauce.
  9. Plate with pasta and garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the sauce to simmer longer for richer flavors, and use fresh ingredients for the best result.

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