Pumpkin Sage Penne with Meatballs

As the fall season approaches, it’s time to embrace comforting, hearty meals that warm the soul. One perfect dish for this is Pumpkin Sage Penne with Meatballs. This savory meal features tender garlic chicken meatballs paired with a creamy pumpkin sage sauce, making it a unique and flavorful dish that captures the essence of autumn. The best part? It’s an excellent make-ahead freezer meal, ensuring you always have something delicious on hand.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Sage Penne with Meatballs

This dish offers the perfect blend of seasonal flavors and textures. The creamy pumpkin sauce is infused with fragrant dried sage, while the garlic chicken meatballs add a satisfying heartiness. Not only does this recipe taste amazing, but it’s also freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze.

Ingredients

– Amylu’s Garlic Chicken Meatballs

– 1 tsp garlic powder

– 1 lb penne pasta, cooked al dente

– ½ can pumpkin purée

– 1 cup milk (or substitute with cream for extra richness)

– 1 tbsp dried sage

– 1 tbsp cream cheese

– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the penne according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water generously. Once cooked to al dente, drain and set aside.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the pumpkin purée, cream cheese, and milk (or cream). Stir until smooth and heated through. Add the dried sage, salt, and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked penne and meatballs to the skillet, stirring gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If you’re planning to enjoy it right away, serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Step 4: To make this meal freezer-friendly, divide the pumpkin sage penne and meatballs into individual freezer-safe containers. Let them cool slightly before sealing. When ready to eat, simply thaw the container in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

Pro Tip:

This dish is even more flavorful when topped with freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil. For a more indulgent version, you can also stir in a little grated Parmesan into the sauce!

Perfect for Fall Gatherings or Quick Weeknight Meals

Pumpkin Sage Penne with Meatballs is a versatile dish that works beautifully for a cozy family dinner or as part of a meal prep routine. Its rich flavors and seasonal ingredients make it an instant fall favorite. Plus, the make-ahead freezer option means you can always have a delicious meal ready to go, making busy weeknights just a little bit easier.

Enjoy the taste of fall with this satisfying and savory recipe!

Pumpkin Sage Penne with Meatballs

This hearty pumpkin sage penne with meatballs is a unique, savory dish that’s perfect for fall. The creamy pumpkin sauce with a touch of sage pairs beautifully with tender meatballs, making it a perfect make-ahead freezer meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time:30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Keyword: meal prep, pasta, pumpkin

Servings: 5

Ingredients

• 2 tsp olive oil
• Amylu’s Garlic Chicken Meatballs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 lb penne pasta cooked al dente
• ½ can pumpkin purée
• 1 cup milk or substitute with cream for extra richness
• 1 tbsp dried sage
• 1 tbsp cream cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add 1 box of penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
• In a skillet, add olive oil to the pan and heat the Amylu's Garlic Chicken Meatballs according to package instructions, typically by heating them in a pan over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes until warmed through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
• In the same skillet, add the ½ can of pumpkin purée and 1 cup of milk (or cream) over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
• Add 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tbsp of dried sage, and 1 tbsp of cream cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cream cheese melts and blends into the sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the pumpkin sage sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
• Gently add the warmed Amylu’s Garlic Chicken Meatballs to the pasta and sauce mixture, tossing everything together.
• Once everything is heated through and well-combined, serve the Pumpkin Sage Penne with Meatballs hot.
• Optional: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor.