Hey y'all! If you're searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for chilly nights, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners, this Baked Pumpkin Pasta with Creamy Sauce will hit the spot. It's packed with velvety pumpkin, gooey cheese, and warm spices, creating a comforting flavor that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you're feeding a family or looking to impress guests, this pasta bake is both simple and soul-satisfying. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Baked Pumpkin Pasta with Creamy Sauce
- Ultra creamy and cheesy with a luscious pumpkin sauce.
- Perfect for meal prep—leftovers taste even better!
- Family-friendly, vegetarian, and easily adaptable.
- Uses pantry staples for quick, fuss-free assembly.
- Elevates weeknight dinners or festive gatherings effortlessly.
Ingredients for Baked Pumpkin Pasta with Creamy Sauce
- 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni or penne pasta
- 2 cups (1 can, 15 oz/425 g) pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup (45 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon (28 g) unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon dried sage (or 1 teaspoon fresh, chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Baked Pumpkin Pasta with Creamy Sauce: Step-By-Step Directions
1. Prep and Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Pumpkin Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and whole milk. Whisk until smooth and gently bubbling, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add nutmeg, sage, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring often.
- Turn off the heat, then stir in 1 cup mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan until melted and silky.
3. Combine and Bake
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stirring to evenly coat.
- Pour the pumpkin pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from oven. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve!
Notes for the Best Baked Pumpkin Pasta with Creamy Sauce
- Use 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best creamy texture and natural sweetness. Learn how to make your own pumpkin puree.
- Short pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Let the baked pasta rest before serving for the creamiest texture.
Variations for Baked Pumpkin Pasta with Creamy Sauce
- Protein boost: Stir in cooked chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage before baking.
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a wheat-free version.
- Extra veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or kale to the sauce for more nutrition.
Required Equipment for Baked Pumpkin Pasta with Creamy Sauce
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or saucepan
- 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish
- Whisk and stirring spoons
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Baked Pumpkin Pasta with Creamy Sauce
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk for added creaminess. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Baked Pumpkin Pasta with Creamy Sauce
- Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette for freshness.
- Serve alongside garlic bread or crusty sourdough for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Enjoy with a glass of light, dry white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Pumpkin Pasta with Creamy Sauce
- Don't overcook the pasta—it'll finish cooking as it bakes.
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties. Here's why grating your own cheese is best.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before baking to perfect your sauce.
FAQ: Baked Pumpkin Pasta with Creamy Sauce
- Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
- No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor—stick to pure pumpkin puree. Learn more about the difference here.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble the pasta bake up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes! Try fontina, cheddar, or gouda for a unique cheesy twist.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
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2Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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3In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, dried sage, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
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5Add the cooked pasta and half of the Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy pumpkin sauce.
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6Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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