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Pumpkin Ricotta Baked Pasta

Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Baked Pasta for Cozy Nights

This Pumpkin Ricotta Baked Pasta is a comforting, creamy vegetarian dish perfect for cozy nights and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 12 ounces Pasta can substitute with fusilli or shells
  • 1 cup Pumpkin puree homemade or canned
For the Cheesy Mixture
  • 1 cup Ricotta cheese for vegan version, consider plant-based ricotta
  • 1 cup Grated mozzarella cheese opt for dairy-free cheese for vegan diets
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese can substitute nutritional yeast
For the Flavor Boosters
  • 1/4 cup Vegetable or chicken broth use vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 2 cups Spinach leaves kale can also work well
  • 1 small Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil can replace with another cooking oil
For Garnishing
  • Fresh basil leaves Optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium-sized baking dish.
  2. In a large pot, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic, cooking for another minute, then stir in pumpkin puree, ricotta, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Gradually stir in broth to achieve desired sauce consistency, using reserved pasta water if necessary.
  6. Add fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring gently until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
  7. Combine drained pasta with the pumpkin-ricotta sauce in a large mixing bowl, stirring until well-coated.
  8. Transfer pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
  9. Sprinkle grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, pressing down lightly to adhere.
  10. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  11. Let the pasta bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, optionally garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 18gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is great for busy weeknights and can be customized with different ingredients. Feel free to experiment with spices and herbs to make it your own.

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