Pasta with Smoky Pumpkin Cream Sauce

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain and transfer to a large bowl, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.

   Step 2

   Meanwhile, cook pumpkin purée, cream, paprika, 1 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a large skillet or wide heavy pot over medium heat, whisking constantly, until smooth and warmed through, about 3 minutes. Add 3/4 cup pasta cooking liquid and whisk to combine. Add pasta and 1/4 cup parsley and cook, adding more pasta cooking liquid to thin sauce as needed, until heated through, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a platter. Top with more parsley and black pepper and serve.