Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Cheesy and comforting, this Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce combines rich flavors and vibrant colors, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or looking for a weeknight meal, this dish satisfies cravings while sneaking in healthy veggies. Its creamy pumpkin tomato sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, creating a delightful dish that’s sure to be a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This pasta bake comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, tomatoes, and spices creates a hearty sauce that elevates the dish.
• Vegetable-Rich: Spinach and mushrooms add nutrition without sacrificing taste, helping you enjoy your veggies.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or a side dish; it’s great for family gatherings or casual dinners.
• Comfort Food Appeal: With cheesy goodness and warm flavors, this baked pasta is ultimate comfort food for fall.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having these items ready will make your experience seamless and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Strainer
• Large sauté pan
• Baking dish (13×9-inch)
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta efficiently; ensures enough space for proper cooking.
• Sauté pan: Perfect for combining ingredients and developing flavor through sautéing.
• Baking dish: Ensures even baking and allows you to serve directly from the oven to the table.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce:

Pasta

• 1 lb. dry pasta of choice (such as mezzi rigatoni, shells, ziti or any other tubular pasta, fusilli, or farfalle)

Topping

• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh sage leaves, divided

Vegetables and Sauce Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 oz. cremini (baby bella) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 to 4 handfuls fresh baby spinach
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin purée

Cheeses

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups grated fontina cheese, divided

How to Make Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375ºF. While it’s heating up, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Once boiling:
1. Add the dry pasta.
2. Cook until 2 minutes shy of al dente.
3. Drain the pasta into a strainer and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

In a large sauté pan over medium heat:
1. Melt the butter.
2. Add walnuts and 1 Tbsp of sage; cook for about 5 minutes until toasted.
3. Season with a pinch of salt and transfer the mixture to a bowl.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pan:
1. Add extra virgin olive oil along with sliced mushrooms and chopped onion.
2. Cook until soft (about 8 minutes).

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Stir in:
1. Tomato paste, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until caramelized; gradually add spinach until wilted.
3. Mix in dried oregano, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and remaining sage.

Step 6: Combine Sauce Ingredients

Add vegetable broth:
1. Stir to release browned bits from the pan.
2. Mix in pumpkin purée, Parmesan cheese, and half of fontina cheese until smooth.

Step 7: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add cooked pasta:
1. Stir until all noodles are well-coated in sauce.

Step 8: Bake

Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish:
1. Sprinkle remaining fontina cheese on top along with walnut-sage mixture.
2. Cover with foil; bake for 15 minutes at 375ºF.
3. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

Enjoy your hearty Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce!

How to Serve Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Serving your Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce can elevate the meal experience. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes, making it perfect for any occasion.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley – Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to add a burst of color and freshness.
• Basil – Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the pumpkin flavor.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens – A light salad of mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and a creamy element that works well with the bake.

Paired with Bread

• Garlic Bread – Serve warm garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce, enhancing the meal’s flavor.
• Focaccia – Soft focaccia is great for scooping up any leftover sauce from your plate.

How to Perfect Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Perfecting your Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce involves a few key steps to ensure maximum flavor and texture.

• Use al dente pasta – Cooking pasta just shy of fully tender ensures it holds up well in the bake, preventing mushiness.
• Toast walnuts properly – Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor; cook them until fragrant for a richer taste.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste your sauce before mixing in pasta; feel free to adjust salt and spices for balance.
• Layer cheeses thoughtfully – For optimal melting, mix some cheese into the sauce and reserve some for layering on top.
• Let it rest before serving – Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking helps set up the layers, making serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your Pasta Bake can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots roasted until caramelized provide a sweet contrast.
2. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition while keeping flavors simple and fresh.
3. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing out the creaminess of the pasta bake.
4. Quinoa Salad – A quinoa salad with diced vegetables and lemon dressing brings a hearty yet light option to the table.
5. Grilled Asparagus – The smoky flavor from grilled asparagus complements the rich pumpkin sauce beautifully.
6. Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on skewers make an appealing finger food alongside your dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Overcooking the Pasta – Cooking pasta too long makes it mushy in the bake. Always cook it 2 minutes less than al dente for optimal texture.
• Skipping Seasoning – Lack of seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to season each layer, from the pasta to the sauce, for a well-rounded taste.
• Not Using Enough Sauce – A dry pasta bake is unappealing. Ensure there’s enough pumpkin tomato sauce to coat all the noodles generously.
• Ignoring Cheese Options – Using low-quality cheese can affect flavor and texture. Choose good quality Parmesan and fontina for the best results.
• Baking Without Covering – Forgetting to cover the dish initially can result in burnt cheese. Cover with foil for part of the baking time for a perfectly melted topping.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the pasta cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• To prevent freezer burn, remove as much air as possible from the container or bag.

Reheating Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

• Oven – Preheat to 350ºF, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and cover; heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce that may help you out!

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! You can substitute any tubular or bite-sized pasta like fusilli or farfalle according to your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce is perfect for meal prep as it reheats well and keeps its flavor.

How do I customize my Pasta Bake?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap out cheeses based on your taste preferences.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Substitute dairy cheese with plant-based cheese options and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegan-friendly version.

What can I serve with this pasta bake?

This hearty dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s an excellent way to sneak in veggies while satisfying those comfort food cravings. Feel free to customize it by adding other ingredients or adjusting seasonings according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a fall favorite!