For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add 1 (15-ounce) can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed, to the sauce. To add more depth of flavor, try using butternut squash puree instead of pumpkin. Fresh sage or rosemary, finely chopped, would also be a delicious addition to the sauce. The pasta bake can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Adjust red pepper flakes depending on spice preference.
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Bake
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PREP TIME20 mins
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COOK TIME55 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 15 mins
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SERVING12 People
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VIEWS108
Embrace the flavors of fall with this luscious pasta bake. The sweetness of pumpkin melds seamlessly with savory sausage and a rich, creamy sauce, creating a comforting and surprisingly sophisticated dish that's perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate35 g
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Cholesterol51 mg
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Fiber3 g
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Protein15 g
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Saturated Fat9 g
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Sodium993 mg
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Sugar3 g
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Fat20 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPreheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02
StepBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
03
StepWhile the pasta is cooking, brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
04
StepIn the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant.
05
StepPour in the chicken broth, pumpkin puree, bacon (if using), Italian seasoning, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06
StepStir in the heavy cream and cooked sausage. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
07
StepAdd the cooked rotini pasta to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
08
StepTransfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with the grated Parmesan cheese.
09
StepBake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
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Tressie Mcclure
Jun 14, 2025This is my new go-to recipe for potlucks. It's always a crowd-pleaser!
Claude Franey
Jun 8, 2025I was skeptical about the pumpkin, but it added a really nice creaminess to the sauce without being overpowering.
Dayna Ziemann
May 27, 2025I used a spicy Italian sausage, and it gave the dish a nice kick.
Samson Heller
Mar 31, 2025The recipe was easy to follow, and the results were amazing!
Ruby Franey
Feb 24, 2025Next time, I'm going to try adding some roasted vegetables to the pasta bake.
Kaleb Ratke
Jan 13, 2025I added some spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients. It was delicious!
Amaya Connellymarquardt
Dec 11, 2024I didn't have any bacon on hand, so I skipped it. It was still delicious.
Sandy Wuckert
Apr 21, 2024This was a huge hit with my family! Even my picky eaters loved it.