When the weather cools and autumn flavors call, this Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin is the perfect dish to warm you from the inside out. Creamy, savory, and bubbling with cheese, it’s an unforgettable twist on classic baked pasta and a creative way to enjoy meals with pumpkin.
Whether you’re looking for hearty cheese pumpkin recipes, inventive savory recipes with pumpkin puree, or a show-stopping dish for your next meal in a pumpkin, this recipe delivers cozy fall vibes and rich flavor in every bite.
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What Makes This Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Special?
This dish is a brilliant combination of creamy baked pasta and the subtle sweetness of pumpkin puree. The pumpkin adds velvety texture and depth of flavor to the cheesy sauce while keeping it light and not overly rich — making it ideal for weeknight dinners or autumn gatherings.
Creamy, Savory, and a Unique Twist on Cheese Pumpkin Recipes
Most shredded pumpkin recipes tend to skew sweet, but this savory bake showcases pumpkin’s versatility. Combined with pasta and gooey cheese, it’s a fresh way to enjoy pumpkin and squash recipes that feels familiar yet new.
How It Celebrates Savory Recipes with Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree in this dish acts as the creamy backbone of the sauce — a nutritious alternative to cream and butter — making this a wholesome yet indulgent comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the pasta bake:
12 ounces whole wheat or regular pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
¾ cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup skim or whole milk
½ teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins and Flavor Variations:
Cooked crumbled sausage for added protein
Wilted spinach or kale for extra greens
Use smoked gouda or fontina for a different cheesy profile
Add a dash of chili flakes for gentle heat
For more creative autumn dinner ideas, check out this Vegetable Casserole — another hearty, family-friendly dish.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Large pot (for pasta)
Large skillet or saucepan
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing spoon and whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Aluminum foil
This dish is also a fun take on a meal in a pumpkin, if you want to bake it inside a hollowed pumpkin for an impressive presentation.
Step-by-Step Preparation: Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta 1–2 minutes less than package directions (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make Pumpkin Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Add minced garlic and thyme, sautéing for another minute.
Stir in pumpkin puree, broth, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Toss the cooked pasta with the pumpkin sauce until evenly coated.
Pour into a lightly greased baking dish.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfectly Creamy Pumpkin Sauce
✅ Whisk the sauce thoroughly to avoid lumps.
✅ Don’t skip the nutmeg — it enhances the pumpkin’s earthy sweetness.
✅ Use whole milk for a richer sauce, or skim milk for a lighter version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Overcooking the pasta before baking — slightly underdone is perfect.
🚫 Using sweetened pumpkin puree — always use plain, unsweetened puree for savory dishes.
🚫 Overbaking — watch closely once uncovered so cheese stays gooey and doesn’t dry out.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serve this dish hot from the oven, with a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts on the side.
For a stunning presentation, bake and serve in a hollowed pumpkin for a festive meal in a pumpkin.
Top with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-worthy finish.
This dish is a cozy option for dinners with pumpkin puree and perfect for a family-style autumn recipes gluten free dinner (just use gluten-free pasta!).
Recipe Tips and Variations
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Suggestions
You can assemble the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few minutes to the cook time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Flavor Twists for Pumpkin And Squash Recipes Fans
✅ Replace some pumpkin with mashed roasted butternut squash for sweetness.
✅ Stir in roasted shredded pumpkin or chunks of grilled pumpkin for texture.
✅ Add crispy sage leaves as a garnish for a gourmet touch.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Cool the dish completely before covering and refrigerating.
Reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot, or microwave individual portions.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Meals With Pumpkin Collection
This cheesy pasta bake with pumpkin is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for fall. It’s a creative way to use pumpkin puree in savory form and a guaranteed hit for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings.
Whether you’re exploring shredded pumpkin recipes, grilled pumpkin recipes, or just want a satisfying autumn meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes — roast and mash fresh pumpkin, and use about 1 ½ cups in place of canned puree.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make it completely gluten-free.
Can I freeze this dish?
It freezes well — assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella and Parmesan give the perfect melt and flavor, but you can mix in Gruyère or fontina for variety.
Make and Share This Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tonight!
This cheesy pasta bake with pumpkin is everything you love about autumn — warm, comforting, and full of cozy flavor. It’s a creative and satisfying way to enjoy meals with pumpkin and perfect for feeding a crowd.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends and subscribe to our blog for more savory recipes with pumpkin puree, hearty casseroles, and seasonal favorites. Happy cooking!
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Cozy Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin : The Ultimate Autumn Comfort Food
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Irresistible Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin combines tender pasta, creamy pumpkin cheese sauce, and a bubbly golden topping for a cozy, comforting autumn dinner. Perfect for fall nights, it’s one of the best savory recipes with pumpkin puree — hearty, satisfying, and easy to make.
Ingredients
12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni, regular or gluten-free) 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend) 2 cups milk 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons fresh sage or parsley, chopped (optional) ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, undercooking by 1–2 minutes. Drain and set aside. 2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in pumpkin puree, salt, pepper, nutmeg, half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. 3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix pasta and sauce in a large bowl, then transfer to the baking dish. 4. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Add breadcrumbs if using. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. 5. Let cool slightly. Garnish with sage or parsley before serving.
Notes
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version. • Don’t use sweetened pumpkin pie filling — only pure pumpkin puree. • Add cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or roasted squash for variation. • Bake inside a hollowed pumpkin for a festive presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta bake with pumpkin, savory recipes with pumpkin puree, shredded pumpkin recipes, pumpkin and squash recipes, autumn recipes gluten free
