Description
If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with seasonal flair, this Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce is it. This easy dinner is perfect for chilly nights, featuring a velvety pumpkin-tomato sauce wrapped around rigatoni, baked with bubbling mozzarella and crunchy walnuts. Ideal for anyone looking for quick dinner ideas, comfort food recipes, or vegetarian fall meals, it’s a delicious balance of comfort and nutrition that the whole family will love. Great for meal prep, dinner parties, or your next meatless Monday.
Ingredients
340 g rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
400 g pumpkin puree
350 g tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped
180 g shredded mozzarella cheese
40 g grated parmesan cheese
30 g chopped toasted walnuts
Extra sage leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium baking dish.
2. Boil pasta in salted water until just under al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute.
4. Stir in pumpkin puree and tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped sage. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Combine pasta with the sauce and half of the mozzarella in a bowl. Mix well.
6. Transfer to baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella, parmesan, and walnuts. Add sage leaves for garnish.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and better flavor.
Notes
Undercook pasta slightly before baking so it doesn’t turn mushy.
Taste the sauce and adjust salt—pumpkin can mute flavors.
Let the pasta bake sit after baking so the sauce thickens and cheese sets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 54
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 17
- Cholesterol: 35
Keywords: pasta bake, pumpkin pasta, vegetarian dinner, fall recipes, cheesy bake, easy dinner