PUMPKIN SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE

12-oz pkg spaghetti

1 lb ground beef

1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning

1 jar (24-oz) tomato-basil pasta sauce

1 cup pumpkin puree

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

Sliced basil leaves for garnish, optional

Shaved Parmesan cheese for topping, optional

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain remaining water off pasta.

Meanwhile, coat a skillet with cooking spray. Over medium high, cook beef and Italian seasoning, breaking up meat, until browned. Drain off fat, if necessary. Stir in pasta sauce and pumpkin. Season to your taste with the salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally until the flavors blend, about 10 minutes. If sauce gets too thick, thin with the reserved pasta water as needed. 

Place pasta in a serving bowl and stir in the sauce. Garnish with the basil leaves and cheese, if desired. 

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