Go Back

Pumpkin and Sausage Pasta Bake

A delightful dish that combines comforting autumn flavors with hearty Italian cuisine, featuring a creamy pumpkin sauce, savory sausage, and a cheesy topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the sauce
  • 1 cup chopped onions Providing a perfect aromatic touch
  • 4 cloves minced garlic Adding a delightful depth of flavor
  • 1 cup pure pumpkin Inviting a creamy texture and sweetness
  • 1 cup half and half For luscious creaminess
  • 1 teaspoon roasted chicken base For rich taste
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ teaspoon dried ground sage Enhancing the autumnal flavor
  • Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper For perfect seasoning
Main ingredients
  • 8 ounces rigatoni pasta (or ziti)
  • 1 pound bulk sweet Italian sausage Offering a juicy and flavorful base
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided) Introducing a salty savor
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) Giving the dish its gooey finish
  • Cooking spray Cooking spray For preparing the baking dish
  • Chopped fresh parsley optional Chopped fresh parsley For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spray a 3 or 4-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
  3. Cook the rigatoni in boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than suggested on the package. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a large skillet, cook the bulk sweet Italian sausage over medium-high heat until it’s lightly browned. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
  5. Leave about a tablespoon of the grease in the skillet; discard any excess.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the chopped onions. Sauté until they begin to soften.
  7. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Cooking
  1. In a bowl, combine the roasted chicken base with water. Pour into the skillet with pure pumpkin and sage. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in half and half and the cooked sausage, simmer for another 5 minutes.
  3. Gently fold in the cooked pasta until well coated with the sauce.
Baking
  1. Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the grated Parmesan and half of the shredded mozzarella.
  2. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the cheeses.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
  4. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon. Add red pepper flakes for heat. To make it vegetarian, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.