Apparently this is a Rachael Ray recipe...? I got it from Bloghungry. The kids thought this was okay, but I love it -- it's hearty and flavorful and rich in antioxidants!
2 T olive oil, divided
1 lb bulk sweet Italian sausage
4 cloves garlic, cracked and chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 bay leaf, fresh or dried
4 to 6 sprigs sage leaves, cut into chiffonade, about 2 tablespoons (I left the sage out and it was fine)
1 C dry white wine
1 C chicken stock
1 C canned pumpkin
½ C heavy cream
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 pound penne rigate, cooked to al dente
Heat a large, deep nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add 1 T of olive oil to the pan and brown the sausage in it. Transfer sausage to paper towel lined plate. Drain fat from skillet and return pan to the stove. Add the remaining oil, and then the garlic and onion. Saute 3 to 5 minutes until the onions are tender.
Add bay leaf, sage, and wine to the pan. Reduce wine by half, about 2 minutes. Add stock and pumpkin and combine, stirring sauce until it comes to a bubble. Return sausage to pan, reduce heat, and stir in cream. Season the sauce with the cinnamon and nutmeg, and salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer mixture 5 to 10 minutes to thicken sauce.
Return drained pasta to the pot you cooked it in. Remove the bay leaf from sauce and pour the sausage pumpkin sauce over pasta. Combine sauce and pasta and toss over low heat for 1 minute.