5 STAR TIPI’m a busy student, and this spicy-sweet pasta makes a perfect quick dinner. Even better, it works on a bigger scale to feed a bunch of hungry friends.
—CHRISTINE YANG SYRACUSE, NY
START TO FINISH: 30 MIN. • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS
3 cups uncooked gemelli or spiral pasta (about 12 ounces)
1 package (12 ounces) fully cooked chorizo chicken sausage links or flavor of choice, sliced
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup half-and-half cream
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded manchego or Monterey Jack cheese
Minced fresh cilantro, optional
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 3/4 cup pasta water.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the sausage over medium heat until lightly browned; reduce the heat to medium-low. Add pumpkin, cream, salt and pepper; cook and stir until heated through. Toss with pasta and enough pasta water to moisten; stir in cheese. If desired, sprinkle with minced cilantro.
5 STAR TIP
Chorizo is a coarsely ground fresh or smoked pork sausage that has Mexican, Spanish and Portuguese origins. It is traditionally flavored with paprika or chili powder, which gives it its reddish color. Add chorizo to egg bakes, soups, casseroles, pasta or your favorite Mexican dish.