Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Bake – The Ultimate Fall Comfort Food! 🎃🍝 This rich and velvety pasta bake combines roasted pumpkin, savory herbs, and gooey cheese for the coziest autumnal dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings!

This rich and velvety pasta bake combines roasted pumpkin, savory herbs, and gooey cheese for the coziest autumnal dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings!

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups pumpkin puree (or roasted butternut squash)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp sage (fresh or dried)
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Bake:

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)
  • Fresh parsley to garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta al dente.
  2. Make sauce: Sauté garlic and shallot in olive oil until soft. Add pumpkin, cream, broth, and spices. Simmer 5 mins until thickened. Blend for extra smoothness if desired.
  3. Combine: Toss cooked pasta with sauce. Transfer to greased baking dish.
  4. Top & bake: Sprinkle cheeses and breadcrumbs. Bake 20-25 mins until bubbly and golden.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Pro Tips

🧀 Extra decadent? Add 1/2 cup cream cheese to the sauce.
🍗 Protein boost? Mix in shredded chicken or crispy pancetta.
🌶 Kick of heat? Stir in 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.

Serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad!