This Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce is a cozy dish that warms your heart. The creamy pumpkin blends perfectly with the tangy tomato, making each bite delightful!
I love how easy it is to throw together. Just mix the pasta with the sauce, sprinkle some cheese on top, and bake! Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like rigatoni for its ability to hold chunky sauce, but ziti is great too! If you’re gluten-free, try chickpea or lentil pasta for an excellent alternative.
Pumpkin Puree: This can be fresh or canned. I often use canned for convenience, but homemade pumpkin puree adds a special touch! If you can’t find pumpkin, butternut squash puree is a tasty swap.
Diced Tomatoes: Choose a can with no added sugar or salt for healthier options. If you prefer fresh over canned, use two cups of chopped fresh tomatoes… just adjust cooking time until they soften.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives great stretch, and Parmesan adds rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cheese blend or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.
How Can I Get My Sauce Just Right?
The key to a balanced pumpkin tomato sauce is in the simmering. Cook on low heat to allow flavors to mix beautifully. Here’s my step-by-step guide:
- After adding the pumpkin puree and diced tomatoes, make sure to mix well.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and herbs to get just the right flavor.
Don’t rush it—this step really makes the sauce shine!
Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (rigatoni or ziti work well)
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprig for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pasta Bake takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook, plus some time to simmer the sauce. In total, you’ll be looking at around 45 minutes to enjoy this comforting dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it until al dente according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until it turns translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it smells delightful.
4. Make the Sauce:
Add the pumpkin puree and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet. Mix everything together thoroughly. Season it with dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Greens:
Next, stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are softened and wilted. This will add a lovely color and nutrition to your dish!
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, it’s time to mix the pasta with the pumpkin tomato sauce! Pour the drained pasta into the skillet, mixing it well so every piece is coated in that creamy, flavorful sauce.
7. Assemble the Bake:
Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top it off with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese—yum!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and has a lovely golden crust.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme if you’d like, and serve this warm, comforting Pasta Bake to your friends and family. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni or ziti are great choices for this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you like. Just make sure it cooks to al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by using dairy-free cheese alternatives. You can also substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy!
Can I Prepare This Bake in Advance?
Yes! You can make the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water to keep it moist if necessary.
