Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta Bake
Creamy, cozy, and loaded with cheese this Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta Bake combines tender pasta with a velvety pumpkin sauce and bubbling golden cheese for the perfect fall comfort meal.
- Author: ssam
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- 3. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- 4. Add pumpkin purée, ricotta, milk, Parmesan, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- 5. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- 6. Transfer mixture to the baking dish and top with mozzarella and breadcrumbs if using.
- 7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- 8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir in cooked sausage, bacon, or spinach before baking.
- Substitute ricotta with cream cheese for an even creamier texture.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta Bake, fall dinner, creamy pasta, comfort food