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Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce
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This Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce is a comforting and hearty dish that combines creamy pumpkin puree with tangy tomato sauce, baked with pasta and melty cheese for a luscious meal. It features simple, fresh ingredients and is perfect for cozy dinners, easy enough for weeknights yet impressive for guests. The recipe is versatile, nutritious, and family-friendly, offering a unique twist on traditional pasta bakes with options for vegan, veggie-packed, or meaty variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 300g penne or rigatoni pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 400g tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
  • 250g pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

Cheese

  • 150g grated mozzarella
  • 50g grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
  2. Make the Pumpkin Tomato Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Stir in tomato passata and pumpkin puree, mixing well to create a creamy consistency. Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl and stir until every piece is evenly coated with the pumpkin tomato sauce.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the sauced pasta into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle generously with grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to create a golden, bubbling crust when baked.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled pasta for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned on top.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it al dente to avoid a mushy bake.
  • Roast fresh pumpkin before pureeing to enhance the pumpkin flavor.
  • For gooey cheese layers, add cheese between pasta-sauce layers.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled before serving to brighten the dish.
  • Let the bake rest a few minutes after baking to help it set.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta bake, pumpkin tomato sauce, comfort food, baked pasta, easy dinner, vegetarian, gluten free option, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://withnora.com/pasta-bake-with-pumpkin-tomato-sauce/