Creamy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce Delight

Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce is the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your belly with its rich, dreamy flavors. Imagine biting into creamy pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce that dances between sweet pumpkin and tangy tomato—pure bliss! The aroma wafts through your kitchen like an inviting hug on a chilly evening, making it hard to resist sneaking a spoonful before it’s even out of the oven.

I first discovered this recipe during a cozy fall gathering with friends. As we huddled around the table, laughter mingled with the delightful scent of pasta baking away, creating memories I cherish. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, this dish promises delightful moments and even happier faces around the dinner table.

I remember my friend’s eyes lighting up when they took their first bite of this delicious pasta bake; it was priceless!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Choose your favorite shape—penne or rigatoni work best for holding onto that scrumptious sauce.
• Canned Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree for an authentic flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling for this savory dish.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted diced tomatoes to add an incredible depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and texture; chop it finely for even cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will create a fragrant aroma that brings everything together beautifully.
• Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and parmesan gives a gooey, cheesy topping that’s simply irresistible.
• Olive Oil: Drizzle some good quality olive oil for sautéing; it enriches flavors and enhances aroma.
• Herbs and Spices: Basil, oregano, salt, and pepper will elevate your sauce to heavenly heights—don’t skip them!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Prepare Your Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you whip up that saucy goodness.

Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chopped onion, stirring until soft and translucent—about five minutes. Toss in minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant; no one likes burnt garlic!

Create the Pumpkin Tomato Sauce: Stir in canned pumpkin puree and diced tomatoes along with dried herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper; allow it to simmer on low heat so the flavors meld beautifully—around 10 minutes should do it.

Mingle Pasta with Sauce: Add cooked pasta into the skillet filled with sauce, ensuring every piece gets coated in that vibrant mixture. If you feel fancy, sprinkle in some freshly grated parmesan cheese at this stage—it’s like giving your dish an extra sparkle!

Assemble Your Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese; don’t be shy—more cheese means more happiness!

Bake Until Golden Brown: Slide your masterpiece into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. The aroma will have everyone wandering into the kitchen asking if dinner is ready yet.

Enjoy every bite of this comforting pasta bake—it’s pure joy in each forkful!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by roasting the pumpkin while boiling the pasta; then blend them together for a creamy sauce. This efficient sequence ensures every ingredient shines in the dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap pumpkin for butternut squash or add spinach for extra greens. Experimenting with herbs can elevate the flavor profile dramatically.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly for best results.

Cooking this pasta bake with pumpkin tomato sauce reminds me of family gatherings where laughter and delicious aromas filled the air. Everyone always went back for seconds!

FAQ

Can I use fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin?

Fresh pumpkin provides richer flavor, but canned pumpkin is convenient and works well too.

What cheese pairs best with this pasta bake?

Mozzarella or cheddar melts beautifully, adding creaminess and flavor to each bite.

How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?

Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast and use plant-based pasta for a delightful vegan version.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Pumpkin Tomato Pasta Bake

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Pumpkin Tomato Pasta Bake, a delightful dish that combines creamy pasta with a rich sauce of sweet pumpkin and tangy tomatoes. This comforting meal is perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant colors, it’s a guaranteed hit for any dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for about 10 minutes.
5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce until evenly coated.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 25mg