Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce
Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce is a delightful, heartwarming dish that combines creamy pumpkin and tangy tomatoes with tender pasta. Topped with gooey mozzarella and crunchy breadcrumbs, this comforting bake is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. It’s not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning, promising an explosion of flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz short pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; then drain.
- In a skillet, sauté the onion in olive oil until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in a bowl and transfer to the baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider tossing in fresh spinach before baking or substituting pumpkin with butternut squash for a different flavor profile. Using fresh herbs can enhance the dish's aroma and taste.