This creamy and comforting Pumpkin Cream Sauce Fettuccine is paired with grilled sage-rubbed chicken for a delicious autumn-inspired dish. The roasted garlic and pumpkin cream sauce, combined with a hint of Italian seasoning, mascarpone cheese, and parmesan, creates a rich and flavorful experience. This dish is perfect for cozy fall evenings and serves as a great pasta meal or hearty lunch.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets)

• Olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic (pressed through a garlic press)

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped sage leaves (divided)

• ½ – ¾ package fettuccine (16 oz package), cooked according to package instructions

For the Pumpkin & Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce:

• 3 heads garlic

• Olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 (15 oz) cans organic pumpkin puree

• 1 ½ tablespoons organic chicken base (or “Better Than Bouillon”)

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• Pinch of salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (room temp)

• ¾ cup half & half (room temp)

• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub with garlic, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of chopped sage. Allow the chicken to marinate for 20 minutes to a couple of hours.

   • Grill the chicken on a medium-high heat grill pan until golden-brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Rest the chicken for a few minutes, then slice into strips and keep warm.

2. Make the Pumpkin & Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tops off of the garlic heads, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap them in foil. Roast for 45 minutes.

   • Once roasted and cooled, squeeze out the garlic from the skin, mash it into a paste, and set it aside.

   • In a pan, melt butter over medium-low heat and add the pumpkin puree along with the roasted garlic paste. Stir until well combined.

   • Add chicken base, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and let it heat through.

   • Mix in mascarpone cheese until it melts into the sauce. Add half & half and stir until fully combined.

   • Turn off the heat and add parmesan, stirring to incorporate. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

3. Assemble the Dish:

   • Toss the warm fettuccine in the pumpkin cream sauce until well coated.

   • Serve the pasta in bowls and top with grilled chicken strips.

   • Garnish with extra parmesan and the remaining chopped sage.

Nutrients

Although specific nutritional values were not provided, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 540-600 kcal

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 35g

  • Saturated Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sugar: 7g

• Cholesterol: 90mg

• Sodium: 800mg

• Potassium: 650mg

• Vitamin A: 150% DV

• Calcium: 15% DV

• Iron: 10% DV

This creamy pasta with grilled chicken and a rich pumpkin sauce is a comforting meal for fall, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

The Essence of Autumn: Pumpkin and Roasted Garlic Sauce

The star of this dish is the Pumpkin & Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce, which combines the earthiness of pumpkin with the depth of roasted garlic. Roasting the garlic gives it a rich, mellow flavor that perfectly complements the slightly sweet and smooth pumpkin puree. The roasted garlic paste is mashed and incorporated into the sauce, creating a savory foundation that enhances the overall creaminess of the sauce.

The pumpkin puree serves as the primary base of the sauce, providing a naturally sweet and velvety texture. This ingredient, often associated with autumn dishes like pies and soups, adds a comforting creaminess while boosting the dish’s nutritional value, particularly with a rich supply of vitamin A. The creamy mascarpone cheese and half & half elevate the texture, making the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.

Seasoned with Italian herbs, chicken base, and a dash of black pepper, the sauce is further brought to life with the addition of parmesan cheese, which adds a sharp and nutty flavor to balance the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. The resulting sauce is both rich and savory, offering a delightful contrast to the lightness of the fettuccine and the grilled chicken.

The Grilled Chicken: A Savory Addition

The chicken in this dish is equally important, offering both texture and flavor. To bring out the best in the chicken, the breasts are marinated with olive oil, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper. Sage, in particular, is a perfect herb for fall—it’s aromatic and earthy, complementing the richness of the pumpkin cream sauce. By rubbing the chicken with this mixture and allowing it to marinate, the flavors infuse the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

Grilling the chicken on a medium-high heat grill pan ensures it becomes golden-brown on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. The chicken is cooked for just 3-4 minutes per side, making it quick and easy. Once grilled, it is allowed to rest before being sliced into strips. This helps retain its juices and prevents it from drying out, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent. The grilled chicken, sliced and served atop the creamy pasta, adds a perfect contrast to the softness of the pasta and the richness of the sauce.

Fettuccine: A Perfect Pasta Base

Fettuccine is the ideal pasta to pair with a creamy sauce. Its wide, flat shape allows the sauce to cling to the noodles, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. The slight chewiness of the fettuccine complements the smoothness of the pumpkin cream sauce, creating a satisfying texture with each mouthful.

Cooking the pasta to al dente ensures it retains its firmness and doesn’t become soggy when tossed in the creamy sauce. The warm pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully, and when combined with the grilled chicken, creates a dish that is both filling and delicious. The fettuccine is a hearty base that helps balance out the richness of the pumpkin sauce and the savory flavors of the chicken.

Creating a Flavorful Experience: Balancing Richness with Freshness

While this dish is rich in flavor, it also benefits from the freshness of the chopped sage used as a garnish. Fresh sage adds a burst of herbal freshness that contrasts with the creamy sauce and savory grilled chicken. It’s important to reserve some of the sage for garnish at the end to bring an extra layer of flavor to the dish. This small but thoughtful touch ensures that the dish isn’t overwhelmingly rich, keeping it balanced and fresh.

Additionally, the parmesan cheese sprinkled on top of the finished dish enhances the savory notes of the pumpkin cream sauce while contributing a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients. If you prefer an even bolder flavor, you can adjust the amount of parmesan used, or add some freshly cracked black pepper for extra seasoning.

The Versatility of Pumpkin Cream Sauce Fettuccine

While this dish is already a comforting and satisfying meal, it is also highly versatile. You can adjust the richness of the sauce to your preference by modifying the amounts of mascarpone cheese and half & half. If you prefer a lighter version, you could substitute part of the half & half with chicken broth or use a lower-fat version of mascarpone. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, which allows for easy reheating when you’re ready to serve.

For those who follow a vegetarian or meat-free diet, the chicken can easily be replaced with roasted vegetables like butternut squash, mushrooms, or even tofu for added protein. The pumpkin cream sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetables, making this dish adaptable to different dietary preferences and tastes.

Pairing Suggestions: Wine and Sides

The creamy richness of this dish pairs well with a variety of wine options. For a white wine pairing, consider a Chardonnay, which has a buttery texture that complements the creaminess of the sauce. A Sauvignon Blanc with its crisp acidity can also balance out the richness of the pumpkin and cheese. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir offers soft tannins that won’t overpower the dish’s delicate flavors.

In terms of sides, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the pasta, offering a refreshing contrast to the dish. Alternatively, a simple roasted vegetable medley or garlic bread would complement the savory flavors while keeping the meal hearty and satisfying.

Health Considerations and Benefits

Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins like vitamin A (from beta-carotene), which supports eye health and boosts the immune system. The addition of mascarpone and parmesan cheese provides a creamy texture but also adds calcium and protein to the dish. However, due to the richness of the cream and cheese, this dish should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

For those looking to reduce the richness or calories, substituting a lighter cream or using a smaller amount of mascarpone can help. Using skinless chicken breasts ensures the dish remains lean, and opting for a whole-grain fettuccine can provide additional fiber, making it a healthier choice without compromising the flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pumpkin Cream Sauce Fettuccine with Grilled Sage-Rubbed Chicken is the epitome of fall comfort food. The rich, creamy pumpkin sauce, with its roasted garlic and mascarpone cheese, coats the fettuccine perfectly while complementing the savory grilled chicken. The dish is bursting with flavor, from the earthy pumpkin to the aromatic sage, making it a perfect choice for cozy autumn dinners.

Whether served as a hearty dinner or a filling lunch, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. The combination of creamy pasta, grilled chicken, and the delicate balance of herbs and cheese creates an unforgettable meal that will have everyone asking for more. This recipe offers flexibility and can be customized to fit dietary preferences, making it a versatile and delightful addition to your fall recipe collection.