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As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, autumn beckons us to embrace its rich tapestry of flavors and colors. This is the season of harvest, where nature's bounty invites us to gather around the table and indulge in comforting meals that warm both body and soul. One standout dish that captures the essence of this beautiful time of year is Autumn Harvest Pasta.

Pumpkin & Kale Pesto Pasta

Autumn is here, and it's time to savor the season's rich flavors with a comforting dish: Autumn Harvest Pasta. This delightful recipe combines fresh kale, sweet pumpkin, and crunchy walnuts in a creamy pesto sauce, making it both delicious and nutritious. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, you'll find tips on ingredient selection, preparation steps, and serving suggestions to elevate your autumn culinary experience. Embrace the essence of fall with every bite.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh kale, stems removed and roughly chopped

1 cup cooked pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and black pepper to taste

12 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite)

Additional Parmesan for serving (optional)

Toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your pasta according to package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

    Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the chopped kale, pumpkin puree, toasted walnuts, grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but still has some texture.

      Blend in Olive Oil: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. If it feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

        Combine Pasta and Pesto: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the pumpkin and kale pesto. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy texture.

          Taste and Adjust: Taste the pasta dish, adjusting salt, pepper, or lemon juice as necessary based on your personal preference.

            Serve: Plate the pasta and topped it with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkling of toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch. Enjoy your delicious Autumn Harvest Pasta!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings