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–+ servings
Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake

Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake for Cozy Fall Nights

This Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake is a comforting and rich dish perfect for busy fall evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 12 oz Rigatoni or Short Pasta or gluten-free pasta as a substitute
  • 4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach or kale as an alternative
For the Creamy Mixture
  • 1 Egg (beaten) can be omitted for a lighter version
  • 15 oz Pumpkin Purée canned or freshly roasted
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese cottage cheese as a lighter option
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella dairy-free mozzarella for vegan option
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese nutritional yeast for vegan option
For Flavor and Seasoning
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or non-dairy cream as alternative
  • 1 cup Vegetable Broth chicken broth for non-vegetarians
  • 1 Shallot or onion as substitute
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves adjust based on preference
  • 1 tsp Oregano fresh oregano for more flavor
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning custom blend with basil and thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper adjust for taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg can omit if undesired

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Casserole dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the rigatoni or short pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain it.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1 cup of mozzarella, parmesan, vegetable broth, heavy cream, and pumpkin purée; mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. Stir in the minced shallot, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of black pepper, salt, and nutmeg.
  5. Combine the drained pasta with the fresh baby spinach in a large bowl.
  6. Pour the creamy pumpkin mixture over the pasta and spinach, and stir gently until evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and bake for about 15 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Prepare a day in advance for enhanced flavors. Turn on the broiler for the perfect crispy topping.

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