For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add more mushrooms or other vegetables like spinach or zucchini. If you don't have Gruyere cheese, Fontina or mozzarella can be substituted. The mushroom soaking liquid adds a depth of flavor to the sauce, so don't skip it! Be sure to strain it to remove any grit. This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Penne with Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, and Pumpkin Sauce
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PREP TIME10 mins
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COOK TIME1 hrs
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 10 mins
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SERVING8 People
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VIEWS25
Embrace the warmth of autumn with this comforting and sophisticated pasta bake. Rich pumpkin and savory sausage mingle with earthy mushrooms and fragrant sage, creating a symphony of flavors that's perfect for a cozy night in or an elegant gathering.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate54 g
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Cholesterol73 mg
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Fiber5 g
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Protein25 g
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Saturated Fat14 g
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Sodium804 mg
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Sugar5 g
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Fat28 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPreheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. (5 minutes)
02
StepPlace porcini mushrooms in a bowl and cover with warm water; soak until softened, about 20 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking liquid. Chop the mushrooms. (25 minutes)
03
StepRemove sausage from casings. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Cool slightly and slice on the diagonal. (15 minutes)
04
StepMelt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic, sage, and nutmeg; cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer onion mixture to a large bowl; add chopped mushrooms, sausage, 1/2 cup of the reserved mushroom soaking liquid (strain it first!), pumpkin puree, Gruyere cheese, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (20 minutes)
05
StepBring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; add penne and cook according to package directions, until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain pasta well and add it to the bowl with the pumpkin sauce. Toss to combine thoroughly. (15 minutes)
06
StepTransfer mixture to the prepared baking pan and top with Parmesan cheese. Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil. (5 minutes)
07
StepBake in the preheated oven until heated through and bubbling, about 25-30 minutes. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes for the cheese to turn golden. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. (35 minutes)
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Ewald Ziemann
Jun 29, 2025My family devoured this! The pumpkin sauce is so rich and flavorful.
Ressie Kub
Jun 28, 2025The recipe was easy to follow and the dish turned out perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.
Rubie Mills
Jun 24, 2025I made this for a potluck and it was gone in minutes! I added a little bit of spinach for extra nutrients.
Rahul Bailey
May 21, 2025This is a great make-ahead meal. I assembled it the night before and baked it the next day. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Allison Dietrich
Mar 24, 2025I found the sauce a little too sweet for my taste, so I added a pinch of red pepper flakes to balance it out. Delicious!
Jacey Upton
Mar 10, 2025This was a hit! Everyone loved the creamy pumpkin sauce and the sausage added a nice savory flavor.