Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake – Creamy Fall Comfort Food
Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake is a delightful comfort dish that perfectly embodies the essence of fall. With a creamy blend of ricotta, pumpkin, and mozzarella cheese, this pasta bake offers a warming hug in a dish. The unique combination of heavy cream and vegetable broth ensures a rich texture that doesn’t overpower the pumpkin flavor, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and lively family gatherings. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, it’s a dish that invites warmth and joy to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves: 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
8 oz. rigatoni or short pasta 2 cups fresh baby spinach 1 egg, beaten 1 cup pumpkin purée 1 cup ricotta cheese 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella ½ cup grated parmesan cheese ½ cup heavy cream ⅓ cup vegetable broth 1 shallot, finely diced 2–3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp oregano 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning ¼ tsp crushed red pepper ½ tsp black pepper ½ tsp sea salt pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and toss with spinach immediately. 3. In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta, beaten egg, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, vegetable broth, and heavy cream until smooth. 4. Stir in diced shallot, minced garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, black pepper, sea salt, and nutmeg until well combined. 5. Gently fold in the cooked pasta and wilted spinach until evenly coated with the creamy mixture. 6. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×9 baking dish and bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbling around the edges. 7. Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. 8. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free alternatives for ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Add cooked chicken, roasted vegetables, or your favorite herbs for additional flavor. Ensure the pumpkin purée is thick for best results; drain any excess liquid if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish (approximately 7 oz)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 80mg