Description

Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe combines the sweetness of roasted pumpkin with tangy tomato sauce, layered with gooey cheese for a delightful family meal. It’s a colorful, flavorful experience that brings warmth to your table and can be customized with your favorite veggies or proteins. With its rich aroma and vibrant presentation, this pasta bake is sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta
2 cups diced fresh pumpkin
1 ½ cups high-quality tomato sauce
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Fresh basil or thyme (to taste)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the penne until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent.
Stir in diced pumpkin and tomato sauce; simmer for 15 minutes until the pumpkin softens.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with the pumpkin-tomato mixture and half of the mozzarella cheese; mix well.
Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: - Experiment by adding different vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. - For a crispy top, broil for an additional minute after baking. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.