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Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce is the ultimate comfort dish for cozy autumn evenings. This delightful recipe combines creamy pumpkin puree with zesty fire-roasted tomatoes, enveloped in al dente pasta and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Easy to make, this hearty bake promises a burst of flavors that will leave everyone craving more. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s a warm hug in a dish that brings smiles to the table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add pumpkin puree and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano; let simmer for about 10 minutes.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese in the skillet.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

Keywords: - For extra nutrition, add spinach or swap pumpkin for butternut squash. - Adjust seasonings according to your taste; consider adding nutmeg or sage for additional warmth.