Ingredients
Meatballs (Optional)
- ½ batch Turkey Meatballs (prepared separately)
Sauce
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ½ cup white onion, diced
- 1 ½ Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ⅔ cup milk of choice
- ½ cup vegetable broth (plus another ½ cup if needed, any broth will work)
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
Pasta
- 8 oz box pasta of choice
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs (Optional): If you choose to include meatballs, prepare them according to your preferred recipe or package instructions before starting the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant and soft. Then add the diced white onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Spices: Add 1 ½ tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon each of sage and thyme, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper into the skillet. Stir the mixture with a spatula and cook for about 5 minutes until the paste darkens to a deep brick red and begins to caramelize.
- Add Pumpkin Puree: Stir in 1 cup of pumpkin puree, mixing thoroughly with the tomato paste and spices to combine the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in ⅔ cup of your chosen milk and ½ cup of vegetable broth, mixing gently. Add the 14 oz can of diced tomatoes and combine. The sauce will be thin but will thicken as it simmers.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. If the sauce becomes too thick, add small splashes of extra vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook 8 oz of your chosen pasta according to package instructions. Drain once cooked al dente.
- Heat Meatballs in Sauce: Add the cooked turkey meatballs to the simmering sauce and let them warm through for about 3 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the cooked pasta in bowls and spoon the pumpkin spaghetti sauce with meatballs over the top. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the milk with any preferred type such as dairy, almond, or oat milk to suit dietary needs.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your taste.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the turkey meatballs or replace them with a plant-based alternative.
- Add more vegetable broth as needed to keep the sauce at your preferred consistency while simmering.
- Use fresh herbs if possible for a more vibrant flavor.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
