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Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce for Cozy Fall Evenings

This Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce is a warm, cheesy comfort food ideal for fall gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Baking
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb. Dry Pasta Use mezzi rigatoni, shells, ziti, fusilli, or farfalle
For the Sauce
  • 15 oz. Pumpkin Purée Provides creaminess and sweetness
  • ¼ cup Tomato Paste Thickens the sauce
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced
  • ¼ tsp. Ground Nutmeg Adds warm notes
For the Vegetables
  • 8 oz. Cremini Mushrooms Sliced
  • 3-4 handfuls Fresh Baby Spinach Can substitute kale
  • 1 Yellow Onion Finely chopped
  • 1 tsp. Dried Oregano
For the Topping
  • 2 Tbsp. Butter Adds richness
  • ½ cup Walnuts Finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. Fresh Sage Finely chopped
  • 1½ cups Fontina Cheese Divided
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp. Kosher Salt Adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp. Black Pepper
  • ½ tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking dish.
  2. Cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and reserve a cup of pasta water.
  3. Melt butter in a skillet, add walnuts and sage, cooking for about 5 minutes.
  4. Sauté mushrooms and onion in the same skillet for 7-8 minutes.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Mix in oregano, salt, pepper, nutmeg, vegetable broth, and pumpkin purée, simmering until smooth.
  8. Combine the reserved pasta with the sauce, ensuring it's well coated.
  9. Transfer mix to the baking dish, top with cheese and walnut-sage mixture, and bake covered for 15 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 4000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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