Spicy Pumpkin Pasta

Ingredients

• 1/2 diced yellow onion

• 2 cloves minced garlic

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese

• To taste (~1/2-1 tsp each):

  • paprika

  • chili powder

  • cumin

  • salt

  • pepper

• 1 cup dry pasta of choice (rigatoni recommended)

• Parmesan cheese (for topping)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Crushed red pepper (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the diced onion in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

3. Transfer the cooked onions and garlic to a blender or food processor. Add the pumpkin puree and cottage cheese, then blend until smooth.

4. Boil the pasta according to package instructions. About halfway through cooking, add the pumpkin sauce along with the spices. Let it cook on medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can cook the pasta separately and add the sauce afterward.

5. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and crushed red pepper.