Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce (Vegetarian)

When the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves start to change, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, cheesy pasta bake fresh out of the oven. This Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce is the perfect dish for the season, bringing together the creamy sweetness of pumpkin, the tangy depth of tomato, and the rich, gooey goodness of melted cheese. Whether you’re looking for fall baked pasta recipes, a fall noodle recipe, ou fall vegetarian recipes gluten-free, this dish checks all the boxes.

Por que Você vai Adorar Esta Receita

Perfect for Fall – The pumpkin base infuses this pasta bake with cozy, autumn flavors.
Vegetarian-Friendly – A delicious, meat-free option that still packs a ton of flavor.
Fácil de Fazer – Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make this ideal for weeknight dinners.
Personalizável – You can tweak the recipe based on dietary preferences, making it a great option for those looking for fall dinner recipes gluten-free ou fall vegetarian recipes crockpot style.
Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this creamy, cheesy dish!

Ingredientes

For the Pasta Bake:

12 ounces (340g) penne or rigatoni pasta (use gluten-free pasta if needed)
2 colheres de azeite
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 dentes de alho, amassados
1 colher de chá de orégano
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative)
Sal e pimenta a gosto

Para a Cobertura:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 colher de sopa de azeite de oliva
1 teaspoon dried basil or fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instruções

1. Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Pumpkin and Tomatoes

Pour in the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Finish with Cream

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Allow the sauce to cook for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well to coat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta mixture.

5. Asse a Perfeição

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

6. Servir e Saborear

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy your cozy fall pasta bake recipe!

Variações e Personalizações

Torná-Lo Livre De Glúten

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, making this a perfect fall vegetarian recipe gluten-free option.

Give It a Protein Boost

If you’re looking for a little extra protein, add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or white beans into the sauce before baking.

Dairy-Free or Vegan Option

Substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

Make It in a Crockpot

Para um fall dinner recipe crockpot vegetarian style, prepare the sauce as instructed, then mix everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours before adding cheese and baking for a few minutes to brown the top.

Spice It Up with Chorizo Flavors

If you love the smoky spice of chorizo, add a meat-free chorizo alternative or smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor. This twist makes for a fantastic chorizo pumpkin pasta bake!

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Fall

Pumpkin: The Star of Fall Cuisine

Pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture to the sauce, making this a great fall dinner recipe with pumpkin that doesn’t feel overly heavy.

Cheesy, Baked Goodness

Few things are as satisfying as digging into a warm, cheesy, baked pasta dish on a cool autumn night. The mozzarella and Parmesan create a gooey, savory crust that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Ótimo para Refeição Prep

Este fall baked pasta recipe is excellent for meal prepping. Make a big batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—simply reheat in the oven for best results.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

Whether you’re hosting a casual fall dinner party or just making a weeknight meal, this fall noodle recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone, from vegetarians to meat-lovers.

What to Serve with This Pasta Bake

To make this a complete meal, consider pairing it with:

A crisp fall salad with apples, walnuts, and goat cheese
Garlic bread for extra indulgence
A warm bowl of roasted butternut squash soup
Steamed greens like kale or spinach for added nutrition

Pensamentos Finais

Este Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce is a must-try for anyone who loves fall baked pasta recipes that are simple, delicious, and packed with seasonal flavors. Whether you’re looking for a fall dinner recipe with pumpkin, a fall vegetarian recipe gluten-free, ou fall dinner recipe crockpot vegetarian-friendly, this dish is endlessly adaptable. Cozy up with a bowl of this comforting pasta bake, and enjoy the best flavors of autumn!