Description
A comforting and wholesome Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce that combines the creamy sweetness of pumpkin with rich tangy tomato sauce, baked with pasta and cheese to a golden bubbly finish. Easy, nutritious, and perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz dry penne or rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain well and set aside to ensure it holds its shape when baked.
- Make the pumpkin tomato sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, pumpkin puree, and Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the drained pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat every piece evenly. This ensures that each bite has the perfect balance of creamy pumpkin and tangy tomato sauce.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Allow the pasta bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set slightly and makes it easier to slice and enjoy.
Notes
- Don’t overcook pasta: Slightly undercooking your pasta prevents it from getting mushy in the oven.
- Use fresh herbs when possible to elevate the sauce’s aroma and flavor.
- Adjust pumpkin puree quantity based on desired sweetness; less if a stronger tomato flavor is preferred.
- For extra gooeyness, add a cheese layer mid-bake by pulling the dish out halfway through baking.
- Let the bake rest for a few minutes to help the sauce thicken and make serving cleaner and easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: pasta bake, pumpkin tomato sauce, pumpkin pasta, baked pasta, vegetarian pasta bake, comfort food, gluten-free pasta bake
