Description
This comforting Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce blends creamy pumpkin puree with savory tomato sauce and Italian herbs, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this vegetarian casserole is hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare, offering a delicious twist on classic baked pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in pumpkin puree, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, ground nutmeg, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Pour in vegetable broth to thin the sauce slightly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend fully.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta into a large bowl, then pour the prepared pumpkin tomato sauce over it. Stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble Bake: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra protein, add cooked sausage or ground turkey mixed into the sauce before baking.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Swap mozzarella with dairy-free cheese to create a vegan-friendly version.
