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Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

Irresistible Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce Delight

This delightful Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce combines creamy, cheesy goodness with nutritious pumpkin for a comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner Ideas
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb dry pasta Choose mezzi rigatoni, shells, or your favorite shape
For the Sauté
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter Adds a rich depth of flavor
  • ½ cup finely chopped walnuts Offers crunch and complements the dish
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage leaves
  • 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms Brings umami and texture
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes For a hint of heat
  • 3 to 4 handfuls fresh baby spinach For color and nutrition
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg Complements pumpkin and cheese
For the Sauce
  • 3 cups vegetable broth Creamy sauce base
  • 1 can (15-oz) pumpkin purée Star ingredient
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ cups grated fontina cheese Creates a stretchy delight

Equipment

  • large stockpot
  • sauté pan
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until 2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a sauté pan, melt the butter and toast walnuts and sage for about 5 minutes. Season with salt.
  4. Sauté mushrooms and onion in the same pan for about 8 minutes until tender.
  5. Add tomato paste, garlic, and crushed red pepper to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Mix in spinach and seasonings, allowing spinach to wilt.
  7. Deglaze with vegetable broth, then stir in pumpkin purée and cheeses until smooth.
  8. Combine pasta with sauce in the pan, mixing until well coated.
  9. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese and walnut-sage mixture.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, don't overcook the pasta and consider stirring different cheeses for the topping.

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