Devastatingly Delicious Pasta Bake with 7 Ingredients

Okay, y’all, let’s talk comfort food with a twist! Fall is practically begging for dishes that wrap you up in a warm hug, right? And I’ve got just the thing: a Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce that’s gonna knock your socks off. I know, pumpkin *and* tomato? Trust me on this one! The sweetness of the pumpkin plays so well with the tang of the tomatoes. It’s unexpected, but oh-so-right. This recipe is totally inspired by my love for seasonal cooking – something my grandma instilled in me since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. She always said the best meals are the ones that use what’s fresh and plentiful. And right now, that’s pumpkin, baby!

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Seriously, you *need* this pasta bake in your life. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Weeknight dinner stressing you out? Don’t sweat it! This pumpkin pasta bake is ready faster than you can say “comfort food.”

Perfect Fall Flavors in Every Bite

This is autumn on a plate, y’all! The pumpkin tomato combo? It’s like a cozy sweater for your taste buds. My favorite part is how the flavors just *pop*!

A Comforting and Satisfying Meal

Need a hug? This pasta bake is basically edible comfort. It’s hearty, filling, and guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Ingredients for Your Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing pasta bake. Don’t worry if you don’t have *exactly* what’s listed – a little kitchen improv never hurt anyone! But, for best results, grab:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or whatever shape tickles your fancy!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (I *love* garlic, so sometimes I throw in an extra clove…shhh!)
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, y’all!)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I like a little kick!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh spinach (optional, but adds a nice bit of green!)

How to Prepare This Delicious Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Okay, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Don’t worry; it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on a delicious pumpkin pasta bake in no time!

1. First things first: **Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).** You don’t want to forget this step!
2. While the oven’s heating up, **cook your pasta** according to the package directions. I usually go for al dente – you want it a little firm because it’ll cook a bit more in the oven. Once it’s cooked, drain it and set it aside.
3. Now, grab a large skillet and **heat up that olive oil** over medium heat. **Add the chopped onion** and cook it until it’s nice and soft, about 5 minutes. Then, **toss in the minced garlic** and cook for another minute. Careful not to burn the garlic, or it’ll get bitter!
4. Time for the good stuff! **Stir in the pumpkin puree, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes** (if you’re using them), **salt, and pepper.** Give it a good stir to combine everything. **Bring it to a simmer** and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then. This helps the flavors meld together.
5. **Add the vegetable broth** to the sauce and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This will thin out the sauce a bit and add some extra flavor.
6. In a large bowl, **combine the cooked pasta, pumpkin tomato sauce, and spinach** (if you’re using it). Mix it all up until the pasta is nicely coated in that delicious sauce.
7. **Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.** You can use cooking spray or a little bit of olive oil to grease the dish.
8. **Sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese** evenly over the top of the pasta. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it’s what makes it extra yummy!
9. **Bake for 20-25 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn!
10. Let the pasta bake **stand for 5-10 minutes** before serving. This gives it a chance to cool down a bit and for the flavors to settle.

And that’s it! You’ve just made a delicious Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce. Get ready to dig in!

Tips for the Best Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Alright, listen up, buttercups! Wanna take this pasta bake from good to *amazing*? Here’s a few tricks I’ve learned along the way. First, don’t you *dare* overcook that pasta! Soggy noodles are a no-go. Also, splurge on some good-quality canned tomatoes – it makes a HUGE difference in the sauce. Season, season, season! Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper. And finally, make sure that cheese is evenly distributed. Nobody wants a bite with no cheese, now do they?

Variations on Your Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down? Fantastic! Now, let’s get a little crazy! This Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce is just begging for you to put your own spin on it. Want some meat? Toss in some cooked sausage or ground beef – Italian sausage is *amazing*! Cheese lover? Swap out the mozzarella for ricotta or provolone. Roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers? YES, PLEASE! And don’t even get me started on herbs – a little fresh sage or thyme will take this to the next level. Seriously, go wild and make it *yours*!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask me about this Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce. Don’t be shy – if you’ve got another question, just holler in the comments!

Can I make this Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce ahead of time?

You betcha! This is a great make-ahead meal. Just assemble everything, cover it tightly with foil, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Easy peasy!

Is this Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce vegetarian?

Yep! As written, this recipe is totally vegetarian. But, if you’re looking to make it vegan, just swap out the Parmesan and mozzarella for your favorite vegan cheese alternatives. There are some really tasty ones out there these days!

What kind of pasta is best for Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce?

Honestly, you can use almost any kind of pasta you like! I usually go for penne or rigatoni because their ridges grab onto the sauce so nicely. But rotini, farfalle (bowties), or even elbow macaroni would work just fine. Use what you’ve got!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Okay, let’s talk numbers! Now, keep in mind, this is just an estimate, okay? Based on the recipe, one serving of this Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce clocks in around 350 calories, 15g of fat, 15g of protein, and 45g of carbs. Not too shabby for a comforting, cheesy bake! But remember, these numbers can change depending on what you toss in there – extra cheese, sausage, etc. You know the drill!

Share Your Creations!

Alright, you made it! Now, I wanna see your masterpiece! Snap a pic of your Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce and share it on social media! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe below – your feedback helps other cooks out there. Happy baking, y’all!

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