Pumpkin Kale Tortellini alla Vodka Pasta

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Silky smooth Pumpkin Kale Tortellini alla Vodka Pasta- made with a luscious creamy pumpkin sauce, savory Italian sausage, fresh kale and lots of parmesan cheese. This creamy pumpkin tortellini is the perfect cozy comfort dish on a crisp autumn evening.

How is it already mid October?!

Time is flying and I am trying to enjoy the cozy weather and beautiful autumn colors as long as I can. So, in an effort to embrace the season, I created this insanely delicious pumpkin tortellini. And let me tell you…… it’s AMAZING.

Pumpkin.. Cream.. Sausage. Need I say more? This fancied up tortellini has everything going for it.

This is the perfect dinner to whip up when you’re needing something quick, comforting and seasonal. Pumpkin everything is in full swig, and this pumpkin tortellini definitely needs to be in your dinner plans as soon as possible!

Pumpkin Kale Tortellini alla Vodka Pasta Detail

Silky, smooth creamy pasta is always a favorite when the weather cools down. Adding pumpkin to the creamy pasta sauce is such a fun fall twist, and is sure to be a new seasonal favorite!

We also love how easy and quick this meal is but tastes and feels so fancy. In other words, I would totally pay good money for this tortellini in a restaurant. But it’s even better when you can do it from the comfort of your own home for half the price.

Another layer to this pumpkin tortellini that I love is the red pepper flakes; which give the sauce a nice subtle spiciness without being too spicy.

Every bite is pure pasta heaven.

Pumpkin Tortellini Ingredients

This pumpkin tortellini is packed with veggies and feels so hearty. Shallots, garlic, fresh pumpkin and kale- some of the best harvest flavors!

Here is everything you will need:

• olive oil– for sautéing
• Italian sausage-I used an herb mozzarella sausage, but you could also use hot Italian sausage or a sweeter Italian style sausage like apple and gruyere!
• shallot– I love shallots! Less harsh than onions, shallots add that delicious onion flavor but are more sweet with a garlicky undertone.
• garlic cloves– In this recipe I use both fresh garlic and garlic powder. Feel free to add more or less depending on your taste.
• tomato paste-a little tomato paste adds so much flavor! this will make the sauce even more rich.
• vodka– the vodka adds so much flavor to the pasta sauce, and pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin.
• canned pumpkin puree– not pumpkin pie filling! preferably organic. I like to get my pumpkin puree from Trader Joe’s but any brand will work.
• heavy whipping cream– this is what makes the pasta sauce so creamy and luscious!
• red pepper flakes– adds a nice subtle spiciness to the sauce. Use more or less to your liking.
• garlic powder– I always use a lot of garlic in my cooking. Add as much as your heart desires!
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• parmesan– for the sauce and to garnish. I mean…would it even be pasta without parmesan? For dishes like this I like to get a higher quality parmesan cheese.
• cheese tortellini– a good quality cheesy tortellini is best. You can find tortellini in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
• kale– fresh or frozen kale will work great.

How to make pumpkin kale tortellini alla vodka Pasta

This no fuss pasta dish is really quite easy- so you don’t have to be in the kitchen all evening making it!

Here is a quick rundown:

• You will start by browning the Italian sausage all over so that it’s nice and golden. Next you will add the shallots and cook until their all nice and translucent. Toss in the fresh garlic and cook for an additional minute or so until the garlic is fragrant.
• Then add the tomato paste and stir to coat the sausage and veggies. Allow the paste to ‘toast’ for a few minutes. Add the vodka to deglaze the pan and bring to a simmer, cooking for 2 minutes until the vodka begins to cook down.
• Now for the magic: stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy whipping cream, red pepper flakes, salt pepper and garlic powder. Bring to a low simmer and cook stirring often for 5 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• When the water is boiling, add the tortellini and cook. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
• Lastly you will add the parmesan to the pasta sauce and stir well. Add the chopped kale and taste to adjust any seasonings if necessary.
• Spoon the sausage pumpkin kale sauce over individual plates of the tortellini and garnish with additional parmesan cheese.

And that’s it! So easy, right?

This pumpkin tortellini is what creamy, pumpkin pasta dreams are made of.

We hope you love this Pumpkin Kale Tortellini alla Vodka Pasta as much as we do! If you give this tortellini a try, please be sure to leave a comment and/or rating below! I truly love hearing from you! And if you haven’t yet, be sure to subscribe to the Butternut and Sage newsletter so you never miss a delicious recipe! We have a lot of yummy content coming your way- you definitely wont want to miss it! 🙂

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More pasta recipes you will love:

• Brown Butter Mushroom Ravioli with Walnuts and Sage
• Creamy Roasted Red Pepper alla Vodka Pasta
• Roasted Acorn Squash Gouda Mac & Cheese Bowls
• Cheesy Roasted Spaghetti Squash Bolognese Boats

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