Gluten Free Pumpkin Pasta

I know how hectic the holidays can be. From shopping to baking to making travel arrangements, it’s easy to let healthy meals fall by the wayside. Not to worry! This Pumpkin Pasta is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. You can whip this dish up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. 

You might think this gluten free pasta dish is sweet and dessert-like, but it’s actually quite savory. You can also experiment with different kinds of noodles. The pumpkin pasta sauce features creamy, rich coconut milk, canned pumpkin puree, and sage.  It also comes with spinach and gut-soothing Chicken Bone Broth Collagen for added flavor and health benefits!

Gluten Free Pasta

If you’re looking for ways to reduce inflammatory triggers, you know how important it is to stay away from gluten. Gluten is everywhere these days and happens to correlate with several chronic diseases. The good news is that you don’t have to give up pasta forever! Many gluten free pastas give you the taste and texture of wheat pasta, but without triggering gut or immune issues! 

What makes this pumpkin pasta recipe so fun is that you can use any type of gluten free pasta you want! You may prefer the long and lean spaghetti noodles. You may also enjoy shorter penne or rotini pasta shapes. Whichever noodle you choose is completely up to you.

Keep in mind, however, that some gluten free pasta contains ingredients that may trigger digestive issues in some people. Corn, quinoa, lentils, or brown rice are ingredients I don’t recommend for those following  The Myers Way®. Also, remember that gluten free pasta often cooks differently than wheat pasta. It can be rather finicky and get mushy or gummy when cooked. To prevent this, stir the noodles often. 

Another tip is to test for doneness before the box instructions say it's done. Some gluten free pasta cooks faster than others. Adding a couple tablespoons of olive oil to the pot helps keep the gluten free pasta from sticking together. Once your gluten free pasta reaches al dente, remove it from the heat and rinse it in cold water for about five seconds. This can also help prevent the noodles from sticking together.

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce 

Traditional pumpkin pasta recipes use milk and parmesan cheese to create a thick, creamy sauce. Dairy is an inflammatory food that can cause digestive upset and skin issues in many people. Thankfully, you can avoid all that and still get a rich, flavorful sauce. 

This dairy free pumpkin pasta sauce uses coconut milk in the base. I recommend using full fat coconut milk for a rich, smooth consistency. Coconut is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. The nutritional yeast takes the place of parmesan or any other cheese you might you. It’s a wonderful alternative that still provides a cheese-like flavor. 

Pairing the coconut milk with canned pumpkin puree gives this pumpkin pasta sauce that classic fall flavor. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, and make sure there are no added ingredients, preservatives, or artificial flavors. 

Making the pumpkin pasta sauce is simple. You can put it together while the gluten free pasta cooks. Add your finely chopped onion and garlic cloves to a large pan. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables and sauté until fragrant and translucent. This can take a few minutes. The goal is to get a nice, caramelized look. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. While they cook, combine the canned pumpkin puree, coconut milk, Chicken Bone Broth Collagen, and nutritional yeast in a medium sized bowl. Add the sage, salt and pepper. Once the garlic and onions are ready, add the mixture to the pan and gently stir to combine. 

After about five minutes the pumpkin pasta sauce should begin to thicken. Once the gluten free pasta finishes cooking, add the al dente noodles to the sauce. Gently coat the pumpkin pasta sauce over the noodles to enhance the fusion of flavors. Sprinkle in the spinach and serve!

Bone Broth Collagen

Some pumpkin pasta recipes use vegetable broth or beef stock. I like to include broth that not only adds great flavor but supports your health from the inside out. Bone broth is a nutritional powerhouse that does all that and more! Each scoop of Chicken Bone Broth Collagen powder adds the health-boosting benefits of 100% pure, non-GMO bone broth collagen peptides. 

Protein is an essential nutrient your body needs to function properly. Without it, you can’t repair damaged tissues well. Your hair, nails, and skin look lackluster, and you lose much-needed muscle strength. With everything on your holiday to-do list, you’ll need all the strength you can get. This bone broth pasta will satisfy you and keep you going during the holiday frenzies!

Cooking with Sage

Of all the herbs you can use with pasta, cooking with sage is an exquisite treat. Sage offers a bold, woodsy flavor to many dishes. It’s often used in rubs and marinades, and compliments meat dishes well. Sage has a unique aromatic combination. Some describe it as a mixture of mint with an earthy undertone. It also hints of citrus and pine. I love cooking with sage, especially when paired with squash. The bolder, aromatic notes of sage balance out the mild pumpkin pasta sauce well. It makes for a dynamic, flavorful dish! 

You also gain a few health benefits when cooking with sage. For example, sage contains vitamin K to promote circulatory health. It also contains antioxidant-like properties to support oral and brain health. In addition, it’s an excellent herb that may help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. If you’re pregnant, however, skip the sage. Some evidence suggests it may cause uterine contractions. 

Go easy on the sage if this is your first time trying it. Adding too much may overwhelm the other flavors and make everything taste bitter. Fresh sage is also milder than its dried counterpart. If you don’t have fresh sage on hand, use even less dried sage than the recipe recommends. 

How To Enjoy Pumpkin Pasta

Fall is famous for its pumpkin flavored everything, and rightly so! If you’re looking for a hearty, filling, nourishing meal that’s also a cinch to put together, look no further. This pumpkin pasta checks off all the boxes for a family dinner night, a quick meal, or a potluck get-together. Pair this gluten free pasta dish with a garden salad to complete the meal. What if you left room for dessert? Keep the pumpkin theme going with these No Bake Pumpkin Bars made with rich, avocado chocolate icing!