Tortellini with Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce

...i have been on a pumpkin craze lately. in the past few weeks i have made/devoured: pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pasta, and pumpkin biscuits. i LOOVEEEE pumpkin, if ya couldn't tell. : ) fall is my favorite time of year for several reasons. one being that every restaurant/coffee shop/ bakery is selling pumpkin flavored tasty things and second, i just love the air. i love crisp fall air, i love the smell of fall, i love wearing hoodies and jackets, i love boots, i love the changing colors of the leaves, i love the colorful leaves that fall on the bright green grass, i just love fall all around! anyways, a few weeks ago my eyes fell on this recipe in my Food Network magazine and i just had to try it! It was Tortellini with Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce and it was delicious!

 p.s. check back later this week for:Pumpkin Cheesecake Cupcakes!

Tortellini With Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce
TIME: 20min. SERVES: 4

Ingredients: 
Kosher salt
2 (9oz.) packages cheese tortellini
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1/2 c. canned pure pumpkin
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
11/4 c. heavy cream
1/4c. grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
Freshly ground pepper  
Chopped fresh parsley, for topping (optional) (I did not put parsley on mine) 

Directions:
[1] Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta.

[2] Meanwhile, heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until slightly soft, about 2 minutes. Add the pumpkin and nutmeg and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in the cream and bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat to medium low; simmer, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cheese and cook until thick, about 1 more minute. Season with salt and pepper.

[3] Add the tortellini to the skillet and toss with the sauce, adding some of the reserved cooking water to loosen, if needed. Divide among bowls and top with more cheese and parsley.