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easy bolognese pasta with pumpkin

Easy Bolognese Pasta with Pumpkin: Comfort Food Bliss

This easy bolognese pasta with pumpkin is a comforting and quick dinner option that combines meaty bolognese with the sweetness of pumpkin.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) Adjust cooking time based on the variety.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Substitute with any cooking oil you prefer.
  • 2 medium Shallots Can use onions in a pinch.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Adjust based on your taste.
  • 1 stalk Celery Optional, but enhances flavor.
  • 3 cups Diced Pumpkin Use hokkaido or red kuri squash, or canned pumpkin purée.
  • 1 cup Fennel Omit if not available or replace with more celery.
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Alternatives: ground pork or chicken.
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme Adjust to preference.
  • 1 tsp Sage Adjust to preference.
  • 1 tsp Marjoram Adjust to preference.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Adjust to preference.
  • 1 tsp Chili Flakes Adjust to preference.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Can swap with chicken or vegetable broth.
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf Remove before serving.
  • 28 oz Puréed Tomatoes Crushed tomatoes work as a good substitute.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Essential for the best results.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme Optional for garnish.
  • 1 tsp Chili Flakes Optional for garnish.
  • 1 cup Ricotta Optional for a creamy touch.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Wooden Spoon
  • knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
  2. Incorporate the diced pumpkin, stirring well to coat. Cook for additional 5 minutes, ensuring the pumpkin starts to soften.
  3. Add trimmed diced fennel and stir for about 3 minutes to soften and release its flavor.
  4. Increase heat to high, add ground beef, and brown for about 10 minutes, breaking apart with a spoon.
  5. Stir in dried spices, pour in beef broth, and add bay leaf. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
  6. Mix in puréed tomatoes and tomato paste, cover, and let simmer for another 10 minutes until pumpkin is tender.
  7. Cook pasta in salted water according to package. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.
  8. Toss drained pasta with bolognese sauce, serve in bowls topped with ricotta, fresh thyme, and chili flakes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Enjoy this hearty dish with a refreshing salad or your favorite vegetable pasta for the ultimate meal.

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