Creamy pumpkin and sage tortellini with brown butter, toasted hazelnuts, and shaved parmesan for richness.
A comforting, elegant autumn pasta that balances sweetness, herbaceous sage, and nutty brown butter, crowned with hazelnuts and Parmesan shavings to create depth, texture, and a luxurious finish.
Published August 08, 2025
Autumn markets bring pumpkins of all sizes, their orange flesh offering a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with silky cheeses and fragrant herbs. This recipe centers on tortellini stuffed with a smooth pumpkin filling, offering a tender bite that holds its shape as the sauce envelopes it. The sauce begins with a splash of pasta water to loosen the dish, then deepens with browned butter that crackles with nutty perfume. Fresh sage leaves, crisp hazelnuts, and a shower of shaved Parmesan join the party, providing contrasting textures and a savory backbone that makes every forkful feel indulgent yet balanced.
To start, choose fresh tortellini that can hold a thick, creamy coating without collapsing. A pumpkin purée offers the ideal balance of sweetness and earthiness, while a touch of cream rounds the filling to a glossy, airy consistency. Sautéed sage leaves add a resinous, peppery lift that elevates the sauce rather than dominating it. Brown butter provides a toasty fragrance and a velvet mouthfeel, which the tortellini readily absorbs. The hazelnuts, lightly toasted, contribute a gentle crunch and a roasted note that harmonizes with the parmesan and the pumpkin’s soft character, creating a multifaceted, comforting dish.
Comforting abundance with bright, herbaceous perfume and crunch.
As you assemble, keep the pumpkin purée warm, so the sauce can cling smoothly to the pasta without breaking. The browned butter should foam and then settle, leaving a fragrant, slightly nutty essence that intensifies as you stir. Salt and a small pinch of white pepper help to heighten sweetness without turning the dish flat. Toss the tortellini with the sauce off the heat to avoid overcooking, then finish with a handful of crisp hazelnuts for crunch. The shaved Parmesan is added at the last moment, letting its salty, umami character perfume the air around the plate.
Presentation matters as much as flavor when serving this dish. Plate the tortellini in shallow bowls to give the sauce room to pool, emphasizing its glossy texture. Scatter the toasted hazelnuts over the top, followed by a few fresh sage leaves for color and fragrance. A light dusting of Parmesan curls completes the look, suggesting a refined, restaurant-worthy finish. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil can add a subtle fruitiness that brightens the pumpkin’s sweetness. This dish shines when the components are balanced and each bite reveals a different layer of aroma and texture.
Subtle sweetness, savory depth, and crisp textural contrast unite.
The base of any great pumpkin sauce lies in a smooth purée, which you can enrich with a dollop of cream for silkiness. Simmer the purée gently with a hint of nutmeg and garlic to deepen warmth without overpowering the pumpkin’s natural sweetness. Once the sauce thickens, fold in your tortellini and a spoonful of its cooking water to loosen notes and carry the flavors through. The brown butter, sage, and hazelnuts should be introduced in steps, allowing each element to contribute independently before they mingle. The result is a cohesive, lush sauce that feels celebratory yet accessible.
If you prefer a leaner version, substitute a splash of milk with vegetable stock to loosen the sauce and skip the cream. You’ll still achieve a luxurious texture through the emulsification of the pasta water with the fat and cheese. For a more intense finish, toast the hazelnuts longer until they release a deeper aroma and a slightly darker hue. The Parmesan shaving should be fine and delicate, offering a moment of sharp, salted bite that punctuates the sweetness of the pumpkin. This balance invites lingering, spoonful after spoonful.
Elegant, creamy, and seasonal, with crisp toasted crunch.
The savory backbone of this dish comes from the brown butter, which releases a toasty, caramel-like aroma as it cooks. Achieve the perfect brown by watching closely and removing the pan from the heat just as the milk solids turn a rich amber. This moment defines the sauce’s character, so patience matters. Pair with a sturdy tortellini that holds its shape. The sage should sizzle softly when added, infusing the sauce without overpowering it. The result is an aroma that fills the kitchen and a sauce that clings in generous ribbons to each filled dumpling.
Shaved Parmesan acts as a final seasoning rather than a main component, so apply it sparingly to avoid overwhelming pumpkin sweetness. The Parmesan’s saltiness will bloom as it meets the hot sauce, creating a subtle crescendo of flavor with every bite. For color, finish with a few bright green sage leaves and a light crack of black pepper. Serve immediately to preserve the sauce’s glossy coat and the tortellini’s delicate texture. The dish rewards speedy plating and careful balancing of the components.
A cozy, refined autumn dish with depth and balance.
Consider wine pairing to elevate the experience; a lightly oaked Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio with gentle acidity can cut through the richness without clashing with pumpkin’s sweetness. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a twist of lemon and a sprig of sage provides refreshing contrast. Aromatic herbs can be used to rebrighten the dish at the table—snipping a fresh sage leaf and a tiny grind of pepper right before serving. These small touches transform a simple entrée into a memorable, plant-forward yet comforting autumn meal.
Beyond the stovetop, this recipe invites you to explore variations. Use butternut squash in place of pumpkin for a deeper, mellower sweetness. Add a whisper of chili flakes for a subtle heat that lifts the sauce without overwhelming its balance. You can incorporate pecans instead of hazelnuts for a different toasty note, or add a handful of sautéed spinach for a green contrast. The core technique—emulsified sauce, browned butter, and a crisp finish—remains the same, ensuring dependable results.
For make-ahead potential, prepare the pumpkin purée and the brown butter in advance, then refrigerate separately. Reheat gently, integrating a splash of pasta water to revive the silkiness just before serving. Tortellini can be cooked just shy of al dente, and finished in the pan with the sauce so they finish cooking in the flavorful coating. This method minimizes last-minute stress while preserving the dish’s velvety texture and gleaming surface. The hazelnuts and Parmesan can be prepped ahead, ensuring a smooth, efficient plating process.
Finally, remember that the dish shines when ingredients are fresh and properly seasoned. Taste as you go, adjusting salt in small increments to maintain pumpkin sweetness. The balance of fat, salt, and a gentle sweetness creates a harmonious finish that lingers on the palate. Share this meal with friends or family to celebrate harvest flavors and the joy of a well-made pasta. In relaxed gatherings, its comforting aroma and refined presentation become a talking point as much as a satisfying meal.
