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Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta Bake

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A creamy, cheesy pumpkin pasta bake that’s perfect for cozy fall evenings. Packed with autumn flavors and easy to make, it’s a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, milk, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese into the sauce mixture.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the pumpkin sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  6. Top with the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
  7. If using breadcrumbs, toss them with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving—it will thicken slightly as it rests.

Notes

[‘Slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven.’, ‘Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and richer flavor.’, ‘Taste the pumpkin sauce before mixing with the pasta to adjust seasoning.’, ‘Crushed crackers or potato chips can be used as a breadcrumb substitute.’, ‘Assemble the dish earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to bake.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy pasta bake, pumpkin pasta, fall comfort food, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/cheesy-pumpkin-pasta-bake-recipe-for-perfect-fall-nights/