Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin
Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin is a cozy, flavorful dish that celebrates autumn’s best flavors. This pumpkin pasta bake is easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340g pasta (penne or rigatoni, regular or gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend
- 2 cups 480ml milk
- 1 cup 240g pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup 100g shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh sage or parsley chopped (optional)
- ½ cup 60g breadcrumbs (optional, regular or gluten-free)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, I cook 12 oz pasta for 1–2 minutes less than package instructions, as it will bake further. I drain and set aside for this pumpkin pasta bake.
Make the Pumpkin Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, I melt 2 tbsp butter and whisk in 2 tbsp flour to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute. I gradually add 2 cups milk, whisking until thickened. I stir in 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp nutmeg, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until creamy for this creamy pumpkin pasta.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. I mix the pasta and pumpkin cheese sauce in a large bowl, then pour into the dish for this savory pumpkin casserole.
Top and Bake
- I sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the pasta. If using, I scatter ½ cup breadcrumbs for a crunchy top. I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden for this pumpkin pasta bake.
Garnish and Serve
- I let the bake cool slightly, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp fresh sage or parsley for a vibrant Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
- Don’t use sweetened pumpkin pie filling — only pure pumpkin puree.
- Add cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or roasted squash for variation.
- Bake inside a hollowed pumpkin for a festive presentation.