Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce (Vegetarian)

Name: Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce (Vegetarian)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 12 oz Pasta (penne or rotini); 2 cups Pumpkin puree ((canned or fresh)); 14 oz Diced tomatoes ((with juices)); 1 cup Vegetable broth; 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup Ricotta cheese; 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Dried oregano; 1 teaspoon Dried basil; to taste Salt and pepper; for drizzling Olive oil; for garnish Fresh basil leaves ((optional))

BY :

Ovia Smith

Posted On :

July 2, 2025

Dinner

Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure with our Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce (Vegetarian). This comforting dish combines the rich, creamy texture of cheese with the natural sweetness of pumpkin and the freshness of tomatoes, creating a delicious vegetarian meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings in. Whether you’re a devoted vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. It’s hearty, satisfying, and brimming with flavors that will please even the pickiest of eaters.

What makes this pasta bake a standout is not just its incredible taste but also its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping in different cheeses to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients lurking in your fridge. With a hands-on prep time that’s less than 30 minutes and a bake time that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, this dish is as simple as it is delicious. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with our Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce (Vegetarian). Here are just a few:

Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of pumpkin puree and diced tomatoes creates a unique sauce that is both creamy and tangy. The addition of garlic, basil, and oregano adds depth, making every bite a flavor explosion.
Cheese Lover’s Dream: With layers of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan, this dish is nothing short of cheesy heaven. The melted cheese on top forms a golden crust that’s irresistibly delicious.
Comfort Food at Its Best: This pasta bake is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying, making it perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a cozy meal.
Vegetarian Friendly: This recipe is entirely vegetarian, making it a great choice for meatless Mondays or for those following a vegetarian diet.
Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal cooking time, even novice cooks can whip up this dish. Just boil, mix, layer, and bake!
Meal Prep Friendly: This pasta bake is great for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated easily, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

From its creamy sauce to its cheesy goodness, this pasta bake is a dish that will make you smile. If you’re searching for a family-friendly recipe that’s both nutritious and delectable, look no further!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Ready to take your culinary skills to the next level? Here are some compelling reasons why you should try making the Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce (Vegetarian):

Seasonal Ingredients: Pumpkin is often associated with fall, and this recipe is a fantastic way to embrace seasonal ingredients. With its vibrant color and nutritional benefits, pumpkin is packed with vitamins and minerals.
Customizable: This recipe serves as a blank canvas. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to make it even more nutritious. You can also experiment with different types of pasta or cheese to suit your taste.
Great for Gatherings: Hosting a dinner party? This pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser that can easily feed a group. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, comforting nature of this dish makes it a hit with kids. It’s a sneaky way to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without them even noticing!
Leftover Friendly: If you have any leftover pumpkin puree or cheese, this dish is a perfect way to use them up. It’s practical and minimizes food waste.

By trying this recipe, you’re not only treating yourself and your loved ones to a delicious meal, but you’re also embracing healthier eating habits with ease and enjoyment.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To make the Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce (Vegetarian), you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rotini)
2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for drizzling
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Necessary Utensils

Large pot for boiling pasta
Mixing bowls for sauce and cheese
9×13 inch baking dish
Aluminum foil for covering the dish while baking
Cooking spoon or spatula for mixing
Measuring cups and spoons

Having these ingredients and utensils prepared will set you up for success in creating this delicious cheesy pasta bake. Make sure to gather everything before you begin for a smooth cooking experience!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the steps for making your Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce (Vegetarian).

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pasta bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined.
Mix the Cheeses: In another bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a creamy filling that layers beautifully in the bake.
Combine Ingredients: In the pot that you used for the pasta, combine the drained pasta with the pumpkin-tomato sauce. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce and all ingredients are combined.
Layer the Bake: Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish and spread half of the pasta mixture evenly across the bottom. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining pasta, ricotta, and top it all off with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Drizzle with Olive Oil: Before baking, lightly drizzle olive oil over the top of your pasta bake. This will help it to achieve a beautiful golden color and add flavor.
Bake: Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious cheesy pasta bake!

**Pro Tip:** For an extra touch, consider adding some cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the pasta mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce (Vegetarian) ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Assemble the pasta bake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?

If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree as a substitute. Both will provide a similar texture and sweetness.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! This pasta bake can be frozen before or after baking. Just make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container before freezing.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes, if you’d like to add meat, cooked ground turkey or beef would work well. Just mix it into the pasta and sauce before layering.

In conclusion, the Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce (Vegetarian) is a comforting, delicious dish that’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests, this recipe checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients and make it your own!

We hope you enjoy making this cheesy, comforting dish as much as we do! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and share your experience. You can also share this article with friends and family who would love a delicious vegetarian option!

For more tasty recipes, check out our recipe collection or take a look at our Pasta alla Sorrentina for another delightful pasta dish. Happy cooking!

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