If you’re looking to cozy up your mealtime with a dish that feels like a warm hug, let me introduce you to this delicious Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce Recipe. It is the perfect blend of creamy pumpkin and tangy tomato sauce enveloping tender pasta, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This dish brings together autumn’s best flavors in a way that’s satisfying, comforting, and surprisingly simple to pull off. Once you try this, it’s bound to become your new favorite go-to when you want something hearty with a hint of seasonal magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet incredibly impactful, each playing a special role in the final dish. From the smooth pumpkin puree adding creaminess and subtle sweetness, to the tangy tomatoes that brighten up the sauce, everything comes together perfectly to create a comforting texture and vibrant color.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni): Choose these shapes as they hold sauce wonderfully and give you perfect bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a gentle savory base that deepens the sauce’s flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a punch of aromatic warmth that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient for that creamy texture and subtle autumnal flavor.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness with just the right amount of acidity.
- ½ cup tomato sauce: Thickens the sauce and adds concentrated tomato flavor.
- ½ cup vegetable broth: Keeps the sauce silky and helps balance flavors.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Imparts an earthy herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Bright and fragrant, enhancing the tomato’s natural sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and amplifying all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat for contrast.
- Pinch of nutmeg: A secret touch that complements the pumpkin’s richness perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that melty, gooey topping everyone loves.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty kick that enhances every bite.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds color and brightness.
How to Make Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the pasta from sticking later. Cook your pasta in salted boiling water just shy of al dente—this is important because it will continue cooking in the oven, absorbing that delicious sauce without becoming mushy. Drain it well and set aside to keep it from overcooking.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté your diced onion for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute more to avoid bitterness but to let the flavors bloom. Next, stir in the pumpkin puree, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. This combination is where the magic happens—the creamy pumpkin meets the bright tomato, creating a sauce that’s rich and vibrant at the same time.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Add the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to the skillet. These herbs and spices balance out the sauce with earthy, sweet, and slightly spicy notes, making every spoonful interesting. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes while stirring occasionally to thicken it slightly. You’ll notice how the flavors meld together beautifully during this stage.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta with the pumpkin tomato sauce in the skillet to coat every piece evenly. This step ensures that your bake will have a consistency that’s creamy and flavorful throughout, not just on top or at the edges.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the coated pasta into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until it is bubbly and golden on top. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly, making for easier portions and a satisfying texture.
How to Serve Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a splash of color and a fresh aroma that brightens the heavy bake beautifully. If you want an extra touch of indulgence, a few extra shavings of Parmesan on the side are always a welcome addition.
Side Dishes
A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy richness of this pasta bake perfectly. Roasted seasonal vegetables or garlic bread also make for excellent accompaniments, rounding out a meal that feels satisfying yet balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, serve this bake directly from the dish with rustic wooden serving spoons for a homey, inviting vibe. To jazz it up, plate individual portions in shallow bowls, topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a few whole basil leaves for color contrast. This Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce Recipe also pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine or a lightly spiced apple cider for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta bake can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen with a little resting time, so it can taste better the next day!
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Pack it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warm throughout. Alternatively, microwave individual portions but cover them to keep moisture in. A quick sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating helps bring back that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree made from roasted pumpkin can work beautifully, though the canned variety is more convenient and consistent in texture. Just make sure to use plain pumpkin puree without added sugars or spices.
Is this recipe vegetarian and gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally vegetarian, but for gluten-free options, substitute the pasta with a gluten-free alternative. For vegan preferences, use dairy-free cheese substitutes and check that the broth is vegetable-based.
Can I add protein to the Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce Recipe?
Yes! Adding cooked sausage, ground turkey, or even chickpeas is a great way to boost the protein content without changing the essence of the dish.
What type of pasta works best for this bake?
Penne and rigatoni are recommended because their hollow shapes trap the sauce and cheese, making each bite flavorful. However, feel free to experiment with any short pasta shape you love!
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is mild, with gentle warmth coming from black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg. It’s comforting rather than spicy hot, making it family-friendly and easy on sensitive palates.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that brings warmth and comfort to any table with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for crisp evenings when you want a meal that feels indulgent but still wholesome. I highly encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own — it’s a wonderful way to celebrate seasonal flavors while keeping dinner cozy and satisfying.
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Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce combines tender pasta with a creamy, slightly sweet pumpkin-infused tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, warming dish perfect for fall and vegetarian-friendly meals.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until just under al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Make sauce: Stir in pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Season with dried thyme, basil, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Cool and garnish: Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For added protein, incorporate cooked sausage or ground turkey into the sauce before baking.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-free cheese alternatives work well to make this dish suitable for those avoiding dairy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
