Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 250-300g pasta (any shape you like - long or short both work beautifully)
02 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
03 - 1 fresh garlic clove, finely minced
04 - 1 tablespoon concentrated tomato paste
05 - ½ cup smooth pumpkin puree
06 - 1 tablespoon your favorite plant-based milk
07 - ½ cup good quality vegetable stock
08 - Sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a hint of nutmeg to taste
09 - Vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for sprinkling

→ Optional Garnishes

10 - 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
11 - A handful of walnuts, roughly chopped and lightly toasted

# Instructions:

01 - Get your pasta cooking according to the package directions. The beauty of this recipe is that you can make the entire sauce while your pasta bubbles away!
02 - If you're using walnuts, chop them into small pieces and toss them into a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Give the pan a shake every couple of minutes and let them toast until they smell amazing and turn golden - then set aside.
03 - Heat your olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 1-2 minutes until it's fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute or two, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
04 - Pour in the pumpkin puree, plant milk, and vegetable stock. Season generously with salt, pepper, and just a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Whisk everything together until smooth and let it simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
05 - If you're using spinach, toss it into the sauce about 2 minutes before serving and let it wilt down into the creamy mixture.
06 - Drain your perfectly cooked pasta and add it directly to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together for about a minute so the pasta gets nicely coated. Serve immediately topped with those toasted walnuts and a generous sprinkle of vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast.

# Notes:

01 - This cozy autumn dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
02 - The sauce can be made entirely while your pasta cooks, so timing is effortless.
03 - Feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand - both long and short varieties work wonderfully with this creamy sauce.