chorizo pumpkin pasta

Chicken

I’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 friends.

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

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 3/4 cup pasta water.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute sausage over medium heat until lightly browned; reduce 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 cilantro.