Name: Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz rigatoni or other short pasta; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; 1 egg, beaten; 1 cup pumpkin purée; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half or milk); 1/3 cup vegetable broth; 1 shallot, finely diced; 2–3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; Pinch of ground nutmeg

Description

Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake is a rich, creamy baked pasta made with pumpkin purée, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, spinach, and Italian herbs. This cozy comfort food is easy to prepare, perfect for fall dinners, and can be made ahead for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

8 oz rigatoni or other short pasta
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 egg, beaten
1 cup pumpkin purée
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half or milk)
1/3 cup vegetable broth
1 shallot, finely diced
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Pinch of ground nutmeg

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain when tender.
In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta, beaten egg, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, pumpkin purée, vegetable broth, and heavy cream until smooth.
Stir in the shallot, garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, black pepper, salt, and nutmeg.
Toss the hot cooked pasta with the fresh spinach until the spinach wilts.
Add the pasta mixture to the pumpkin ricotta sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
Bake for 15 minutes until lightly bubbling.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top and bake for another 5–10 minutes until melted and golden.
Let the pasta bake cool for several minutes before serving.

Notes

This casserole can be assembled up to one day in advance and refrigerated before baking.
For a golden cheesy topping, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking.
Add cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken for extra protein if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American