Description
This Pumpkin and Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce Fettuccine with Grilled Sage-Rubbed Chicken is a comforting and flavorful fall-inspired pasta dish. It features tender grilled chicken breasts seasoned with fresh sage, paired with a creamy roasted garlic and pumpkin sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. The combination of savory herbs, roasted garlic sweetness, and the rich cream sauce makes this recipe a delightful main course that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, roasted
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Sage leaves
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare and grill the chicken: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, chopped fresh sage, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Make the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mash in the roasted garlic cloves to release their flavor. Stir in the pumpkin purée and cook for 1-2 minutes to combine.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking to create a smooth sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, ground black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer the sauce: Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the pumpkin cream sauce.
- Plate and serve: Divide the sauced pasta among plates and top each serving with sliced grilled sage-rubbed chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh sage leaves if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can roast garlic ahead by wrapping whole cloves in foil and baking at 400°F for 30-35 minutes.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- If fresh sage is unavailable, dried sage can be used but reduce the quantity as it is more concentrated.
- To save time, chicken breasts can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is not available.
- This recipe pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
