Thanksgiving Pasta

DESCRIPTION

Thanksgiving Pasta is a comforting seasonal dish that brings together the cozy flavors of fall with a creative twist on classic holiday ingredients. Tender pasta is tossed with savory Italian sausage, sweet sautéed fennel, creamy pumpkin purée, ricotta cheese, and fresh baby spinach for a rich, satisfying meal. Spicelopedia® Southwest Zesty Fiesta adds a unique blend of smoky spices, garlic, and a subtle kick of heat that perfectly balances the creamy pumpkin and savory sausage. Whether served as a festive weeknight dinner or a memorable holiday side or main course, this fall-inspired pasta recipe is a delicious celebration of Thanksgiving flavors in every bite.

INGREDIENTS

Servings: 4

Italian turkey sausage links (mild or hot)	4
Avocado oil	1 tsp.
Fennel bulb, sliced (reserve fronds for garnish)	1
Penne or rigatoni pasta	½ lb.
Canned pumpkin purée	½ cup
Ricotta cheese	½ cup
Spicelopedia® Southwest Zesty Fiesta seasoning	1½ Tbsp.
Baby spinach	2 cups
Reserved pasta water	As needed
Parmesan cheese, for topping	To taste

STEPS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Place the turkey sausage links on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the oven and slice into bite-sized rounds.
3. While the sausage is baking, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving some of the pasta water.
4. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the sliced fennel until tender.
5. Add the cooked pasta, sliced sausage, pumpkin purée, and ricotta cheese to the skillet. Stir in the Spicelopedia® Southwest Zesty Fiesta seasoning until everything is well combined.
6. Add a ladle or two of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir in the baby spinach and cook just until wilted.
7. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved fennel fronds for garnish, if desired.