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Pumpkin Pasta Bake: 5-Ingredient Budget Meal for Families

  • Author: Melano
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, savory pumpkin pasta bake made with ricotta and Parmesan cheese. This budget-friendly, kid-approved meal is simple to make, uses pantry staples, and offers comforting autumn flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15 oz (425g) can 100% pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole, 2%, or half-and-half)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
  • 15 oz (425g) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
  • 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried basil
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Prep ingredients: Mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and measure out pumpkin, milk, and spices.
  2. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
  3. Make sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add pumpkin puree, milk, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add ricotta: Remove skillet from heat. Gradually stir in ricotta cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  5. Combine: Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Bake (Optional): Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Top with remaining Parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Save pasta water to help thicken the sauce. For best texture, use room temperature ricotta. If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 420
  • Fat: 14
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 14

Keywords: pumpkin pasta, budget meal, family dinner, creamy pasta, ricotta pasta, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta, fall recipes

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Find it online: https://foodnest.info/pumpkin-pasta-bake-5-ingredient-budget-meal-for-families/