Serena:
I wasn't sure if my kids would go for the veggie combo here, but since we're die-hard pumpkin fans, we had to give it a shot. Glad we did, since ther...
As autumn paints the world in warm shades, few ingredients evoke the spirit of the season like pumpkin. A symbol of harvest and abundance, pumpkin has been cherished in Italian cuisine for centuries—particularly in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, where it becomes the star in stuffed pastas and creamy sauces. For savvy meal planners, roasting a generous wedge of pumpkin ahead of time means instant access to a sweet, nutty ingredient that transforms weekday cooking into a celebration of autumn’s bounty. This practical habit frees you up for more creative culinary adventures even on your busiest days.
Baby spinach, though not a traditional fall crop, is now a staple in modern kitchens thanks to its year-round availability in pre-washed, ready-to-use bags. This innovation saves precious minutes and ensures your dishes are free of unwelcome grit, a common pitfall for home cooks. Choosing pre-washed baby spinach lets you focus on flavor and texture, guaranteeing that your finished pasta is vibrant and satisfying. Your palate, your schedule, and your guests will all appreciate this thoughtful shortcut!
IngredientsTry it with...
Preparation
for 4 servings
Step
1
Of 4
Begin by sifting a blend of 00 flour and semolina onto your work surface, forming a gentle mound. Create a well at the center—a classic Italian technique dating back to the Renaissance—then crack in the eggs and add a pinch of salt. With a fork, whisk the eggs, slowly pulling in flour from the sides to form a shaggy dough. Once the liquid is absorbed, knead with clean hands until the dough becomes soft, elastic, and no longer sticky. This usually takes about ten minutes and is crucial for developing gluten, which gives tagliatelle its signature bite.
Brush away any dry flour bits from your hands and, if necessary, dust with extra semolina to prevent sticking. Once the dough feels smooth and supple, wrap it in plastic or a damp cloth and rest it for 20 minutes—this lets the gluten relax, making rolling much easier.
Step
2
Of 4
Remove the seeds and peel from the pumpkin, then cut it into thin slices. Finely chop the shallots. In a large skillet, heat 4-5 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and a pinch of salt, gently sautéing until they turn translucent—a step that brings out their natural sweetness.
Add the pumpkin slices, stirring often as they soften and start to caramelize, developing richer flavor and golden color. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and feel free to toss in a sprig of fresh thyme for an aromatic boost. This classic sautéing method, rooted in northern Italian tradition, coaxes out the best in autumn vegetables.
Step
3
Of 4
After resting, divide the dough into 2-3 pieces to keep it manageable. Keep any pieces you're not working with covered to prevent drying. Roll each piece out on a lightly floured surface, working from the center outwards, until you achieve a sheet about 1-2 mm thick. If you have a pasta machine, start with the thickest setting, folding and passing the dough through multiple times, and decrease thickness gradually until you reach the second thinnest setting.
For hand-cutting, dust the dough sheet with flour, then loosely fold it several times. Slice into ribbons about 0.5 cm wide with a sharp knife, then gently unfurl the strands into classic tagliatelle. Dust the fresh pasta with more semolina or rice flour and arrange it in loose nests on a tray to keep the noodles from sticking.
Step
4
Of 4
Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil—using plenty of water is essential for fresh pasta. Generously season with salt, then add your tagliatelle and cook for about 4 minutes, just until al dente. While pasta cooks, toss the roughly chopped baby spinach into the pan with the pumpkin, letting it wilt in the residual heat, preserving its vibrant color and delicate flavor.
Drain the pasta and combine it with the pumpkin and spinach, then finish with the fragrant zest of a fresh lemon. Toss everything together for a harmonious blend of flavors. Serve immediately, topping each portion with a shower of grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a scattering of crumbled Amaretti cookies—a nod to the classic Mantuan tradition, where sweet and savory intermingle for an unforgettable finish.
Try it with...
Filippo Bartolotta
...Great Italian Goodies!
A definite balance between sweet and savory flavors that linger pleasantly.
View productA definite balance between sweet and savory flavors that linger pleasantly.
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Serena Sunday 1st of November 2020
Orange and green wins for dinner
I wasn't sure if my kids would go for the veggie combo here, but since we're die-hard pumpkin fans, we had to give it a shot. Glad we did, since there were totally no leftovers and everyone borderline licked their plates. A definite win with fresh pasta and even fresher veggies. Great blend!