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Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake

Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake for a Cozy Night In

Enjoy a comforting Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake, perfect for chilly nights with its delicious cheesy goodness and seasonal flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta (penne or rigatoni) Substitute with fusilli or shell pasta.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Pumpkin puree Adds natural sweetness and festive color.
  • 1 cup Ricotta cheese Offers creaminess without being heavy.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Provides a gooey, melty finish.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Delivers a sharp, rich flavor.
  • 2 cups Spinach (fresh) Infuses vitamins and color.
  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped) Enhances sweetness and aroma.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Adds savory depth.
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg Enhances pumpkin flavor.
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 cup Vegetable or chicken broth Adjust for sauce consistency.
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil Prevents sticking while sautéing.
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh basil For garnish.

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Skillet
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion for 5 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Mix in 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  6. Gradually pour in 1 cup of broth while mixing to achieve desired sauce consistency.
  7. Mix in 2 cups of fresh spinach until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Fold cooked pasta into the pumpkin-ricotta sauce until well-coated.
  9. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and smooth the top.
  10. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  12. Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Consider adding toasted panko breadcrumbs on top of the cheese for extra crispiness.

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