Creamy Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta: Your Ultimate Friendsgiving & Fall Comfort Dish
Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta is a flavorful twist on fall pasta, perfect for your Friendsgiving celebration! The bold flavor of Sabra’s Roasted Garlic Hummus balances out the creamy pumpkin and tart, tangy sun-dried tomatoes. It’s an easy side dish that everyone will want to spoon on their plate!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sabra. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, our thoughts inevitably drift to cozy gatherings, comforting meals, and the joyous spirit of the holiday season. And for many, that means Friendsgiving! This beloved modern tradition, a precursor to the main Thanksgiving event, is all about bringing together friends and family to share good food, laughter, and gratitude.
This year, elevate your Friendsgiving feast with a dish that’s both unique and incredibly delicious: Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta. Forget the same old side dishes – this pasta offers a vibrant blend of fall flavors with an unexpected creamy twist that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients, made effortless with a secret weapon that’s probably already a staple in your fridge!
Why This Hummus Pumpkin Pasta is Your New Fall Favorite
Friendsgiving is all about effortless enjoyment and delicious food that fosters connection. This Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta embodies that spirit perfectly. It’s a comforting, savory, and visually appealing dish that fits right into any autumn celebration. The combination of creamy pumpkin with the sharp, savory notes of roasted garlic hummus, brightened by tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it’s also a vegetarian option, making it suitable for a wider range of guests. Prepare to impress without the stress!
The Secret Ingredient: Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus
Here’s where this pumpkin pasta truly shines and stands apart from other fall-inspired dishes: the addition of hummus! While hummus is a staple dip for many, its role as a pasta sauce base is a brilliant game-changer. Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus brings an incredible depth of flavor and a silky, smooth texture that binds the sauce together, creating an irresistibly creamy coating for your pasta.
Why Hummus in Pasta?
Using hummus in a pasta sauce might seem unconventional, but it’s actually a magical ingredient! It naturally adds a rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile, alongside a wonderful creaminess without needing heavy cream. This makes your pumpkin pasta not only delicious but also a bit lighter and more wholesome. The chickpeas in hummus contribute a lovely earthiness and body to the sauce, while tahini provides a subtle nuttiness. When combined with pumpkin puree, it elevates the dish to a whole new level of comfort and flavor complexity.
The Power of Roasted Garlic: Effortless Flavor
Choosing Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus is key to this recipe’s success and simplicity. The roasted garlic component means you don’t have to spend time roasting garlic yourself – a fantastic shortcut for busy cooks! Roasted garlic is sweet, mellow, and deeply aromatic, adding an unparalleled savory depth to the sauce that complements the pumpkin beautifully. This robust flavor profile helps balance the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and the tartness of the sun-dried tomatoes, resulting in a perfectly harmonious dish. The result is creamy, dotted with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkled with cheese. It makes for a killer side dish to gather friends around, but it also makes a great main dish throughout the cooler months.
Sabra wants to help you bring your friends together for an unforgettable Friendsgiving. Visit their Pinterest board for recipes, décor, ideas and more inspiration here: https://www.pinterest.com/sabradips/friendsgiving/
Essential Tools for Your Kitchen
One of the beauties of this Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta recipe is that it doesn’t require a plethora of fancy kitchen gadgets. You likely already have everything you need to whip up this delightful dish. However, having the right basic tools can make the cooking process even smoother and more enjoyable. These are the must-haves for a seamless cooking experience:
- Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus: This is the star of the show! Make sure to pick up a tub (or two!) to ensure that burst of incredible flavor and creaminess that defines this dish.
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking your pasta. A good quality pot will ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Its generous size allows the pasta to move freely in the boiling water, preventing it from clumping.
- Large Nonstick Skillet: This will be your go-to for creating the luscious pumpkin hummus sauce. A nonstick surface is ideal for simmering and stirring, ensuring nothing sticks and clean-up is a breeze.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring the sauce and ensuring all the ingredients are well combined without scratching your nonstick skillet.
With these simple tools, you’ll be able to prepare this fantastic pasta dish with ease, leaving you more time to enjoy your Friendsgiving celebration!
Craving More Pasta? Discover These Delicious Recipes:
- Easy Perfect Instant Pot Bolognese: A rich, hearty sauce made effortlessly in your Instant Pot.
- Red Wine Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu: Tender short ribs simmered in a robust red wine sauce.
- Kale, Tomato, and Lemon Magic One-Pot Spaghetti: A vibrant and healthy meal, all cooked in a single pot!
- Sun-Dried Tomato Carbonara: A tangy twist on a classic, creamy carbonara.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta
This recipe is designed for simplicity and maximum flavor, ensuring you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your Friendsgiving festivities. Follow these straightforward steps to create a truly memorable dish:
Step 1: Perfectly Cooked Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add your chosen pasta (penne works wonderfully for capturing the creamy sauce) and cook according to package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. This means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy. It’s crucial not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften slightly when tossed with the warm sauce. Al dente pasta also holds the sauce much better, ensuring every bite is coated in deliciousness. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water if you like, for loosening the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Crafting the Rich & Creamy Sauce
While your pasta is cooking, you’ll prepare the star of the show: the creamy pumpkin hummus sauce. In a large nonstick skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the entire can of pumpkin puree, the Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus, and the vegetable broth. Stir everything together thoroughly until it’s smoothly combined. Next, stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken to your desired consistency. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the pumpkin to release its full aromatic potential. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt for an extra touch of creaminess and a subtle tang, along with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese until the cheese is mostly melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – perhaps a pinch more salt or a dash more pepper to really make the flavors pop!
Step 3: Combining and Serving
The final step is the most satisfying! Add the drained, al dente pasta directly into the skillet with the rich, creamy pumpkin hummus sauce. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to gently toss the pasta, ensuring every strand and crevice is thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency. Once evenly coated, transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and watch it disappear!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making this delightful Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta, along with helpful answers to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
Can I use fresh or canned pumpkin puree?
You absolutely can use either for this recipe! If you’re feeling ambitious and have some extra time, making your own fresh pumpkin puree will provide an even richer, more natural pumpkin flavor. Check out my how to make pumpkin puree guide for a step-by-step process. However, for convenience and consistent results, a good quality canned pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just make sure to grab a can that states it’s 100% pure pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sweeteners that would alter the savory profile of this dish.
What if I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes?
No problem at all! If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your favorite, you can definitely leave them out entirely. The recipe will still be incredibly flavorful and creamy without them. Alternatively, if you want to add another pop of flavor and texture, consider substituting them with finely chopped roasted red peppers, some sautéed spinach, or even a handful of toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable for a vegan diet. Simply ensure your pasta is vegan (most dry pastas are, but always check the label), use a dairy-free Greek yogurt alternative, and omit the Parmesan cheese. You could add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan. The Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus is already vegan, making this substitution very easy.
How to store and reheat leftovers?
Leftovers of this pasta are just as delicious! Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Variations to Customize Your Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta
While this recipe is fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize it to your liking or to what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Add Protein: For a more substantial main course, stir in cooked shredded chicken, roasted chickpeas, or sautéed Italian sausage (vegan or regular) towards the end.
- Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, experiment with other cheeses like a smoked gouda for a deeper flavor, or a sharp white cheddar for a tangier note. For a vegan option, nutritional yeast can mimic a cheesy flavor.
- Spice it Up: If you love a bit more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Boost the Greens: Wilt in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of sauce simmering for added nutrition and color.
- Herb Appeal: Instead of or in addition to parsley, try fresh sage or thyme, which pair beautifully with pumpkin and fall flavors.
- Nutty Crunch: A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or walnuts can add a delightful texture contrast.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta can be enjoyed in many ways throughout the fall and winter seasons:
- Friendsgiving Side Dish: It makes an exceptional addition to any holiday table, offering a unique and satisfying vegetarian option alongside traditional fare like turkey and stuffing.
- Hearty Main Course: Served on its own with a simple green salad and crusty bread, it transforms into a fulfilling and delicious weeknight dinner.
- Potluck Favorite: Easy to transport and universally loved, it’s a perfect dish to bring to gatherings.
Whether you’re celebrating Friendsgiving, looking for a cozy weeknight meal, or simply craving the comforting flavors of fall, this Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta is sure to become a cherished recipe in your repertoire. Its simplicity, incredible flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta
equipment
-
Wooden Spoon & Scraper
-
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Sauté Pan
-
Dutch Oven
ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 15- ounce can pumpkin purée [ ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling (or 15 ounces homemade pumpkin puree guide)
- 1/4 cup Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese plus more to garnish
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
instructions
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture well with the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
-
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the pumpkin puree, Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus, and vegetable broth. Stir well with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are smoothly combined. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a rich, creamy consistency.
-
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Greek yogurt, roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and shredded Parmesan cheese until well combined and the cheese is mostly melted into the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as desired, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice.
-
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the pumpkin hummus sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the luscious sauce.
-
Serve the Roasted Garlic Hummus Pumpkin Pasta immediately, garnished generously with freshly chopped parsley and an optional extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish as a main or a side!