You want to know the actual best part of October?

It’s this recipe right here.

I guess you could make pumpkin themed dishes any time of year, but for some reason digging into a hot bowl of pasta smothered in the creamiest pumpkin sauce in June just seems a little off.

It’s not like the pumpkin police are going to track you down or anything, if you do happen to devour something pumpkin out of season, but still.

Let’s just go with the fact that pumpkin simply tastes best in the fall, especially in October.

I first tried this recipe on Halloween night, way back in the day when I used to go out begging for candy in some type of costume that involved lots of layers. Got to keep warm, you know.

Times have changed.

These days, Halloween does not involve candy… or lots of layers.

Unless you count mixed drinks that taste like candy… and a booze blanket.

No shame.

I would be totally okay with digging into a bowl of this pasta every Halloween though.

The original recipe was tasty to begin with, but I had to add a little more butter, garlic and red pepper flakes because why not? And the addition of hot pasta water to the sauce helps it reach just the right consistency to coat your pasta.

I would suggest using whole wheat pasta to help balance out all the butter and cheese action, but let’s not forget there is some pumpkin involved which is indeed a vegetable.

It’s hard not to go back for seconds when whole wheat pasta is tossed in a decadent sauce comprised of creamy butter, minced garlic, pumpkin puree, nutty Parmesan cheese, spicy red pepper flakes, ground nutmeg, black pepper, and fresh basil. Of course you have to sprinkle (or dump) on more Parmesan and basil before stuffing some of this magnificence in your face.

P.S. If you want to increase your veggie intake, stir in some cooked green peas along with the basil.

P.P.S. If I were forced to consume candy, I’d have to go with Snickers or Reese’s… although Kit Kat bars, Twix, Almond Joy bars and Butterfingers aren’t half bad either.

P.P.P.S. The thing I don’t like about October is that it’s so dark out! Which means crummy natural lighting for photos. Mghh.