Irresistible Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

Name: Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided); 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

Recipe By:

Ruth

Posted:

September 21, 2025

Updated:

September 21, 2025

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Imagine sinking your fork into a bubbling, cheesy pumpkin ricotta pasta bake, where the creamy layers meld together in a harmonious embrace of flavors. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making you feel like a culinary wizard who just cast a spell of comfort food magic. Each bite reveals the rich, savory notes of pumpkin paired with the delightful tang of ricotta, creating a warmth that wraps around you like your favorite blanket on a chilly evening.

Now picture this: a family gathering where everyone eagerly awaits dinner. You pull out this golden masterpiece from the oven, and gasps of delight fill the air as people rush to grab their plates. It’s not just food; it’s an experience—a delicious hug for your taste buds that you’ll want to recreate time and time again during those cozy fall nights.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake is simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends
The flavor combination is both comforting and unique, leaving everyone craving seconds
Visually stunning, it brings vibrant autumn colors to your table
Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile—serve it as a main dish or a side!

Family and friends can’t stop raving about how delicious this pasta bake turns out every time I make it—who knew comfort food could earn me such accolades?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta: Use your favorite pasta shape; I recommend penne or rigatoni for maximum sauce adherence.
Pumpkin Puree: Opt for pure pumpkin puree—not the spiced pie filling—to keep flavors authentic.
Ricotta Cheese: Fresh ricotta offers creaminess; look for whole-milk varieties for richer flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella: Grab some gooey mozzarella to top off the bake; it melts beautifully and adds stringiness.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan provides a salty kick; sprinkle generously for added depth.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition; wilt it slightly before mixing into the bake.
Garlic Powder: A dash elevates flavor without overpowering the dish; garlic lovers might want to double it!
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors—don’t skip them!
Olive Oil: A drizzle keeps everything moist while adding richness; extra virgin is my go-to choice.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch gives that cozy feeling reminiscent of holiday baking—trust me on this one!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake

How to Make Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before tossing in your pasta. Cook until al dente, following package instructions usually around 8-10 minutes.

Sauté Spinach: In a separate skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and toss in fresh spinach. Sauté until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly before chopping.

Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything blends into creamy goodness.

Add Cheese: Fold in half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the mixture for extra cheesiness. Reserve some cheese for topping later!

Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil and pour in your pasta mixture evenly before sprinkling remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Bake: Pop that glorious creation into the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden-brown and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—it’s worth the wait!

And there you have it! A Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake that not only pleases on taste but also warms hearts around the dinner table. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

You Must Know

This Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake is an autumn delight, combining creamy textures and savory flavors
The aromas of garlic and roasted pumpkin will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy fall evening
It’s perfect for family gatherings or a comforting solo dinner

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make this Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake perfectly, start by roasting the pumpkin while boiling the pasta. Mix the ricotta and spices in the bowl to ensure even flavor distribution before layering everything together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese or add some spinach for extra greens. You can also experiment with various cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for distinct flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it stays creamy and delicious.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For best results, use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for richer flavor
Ensure pasta is al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven
Don’t skip on seasoning; it elevates each bite significantly!

Creating this Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake reminds me of family potlucks where everyone was always fighting over the last scoop due to its irresistible taste.

FAQ

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! This pasta bake is naturally vegetarian and packed with flavor.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce beautifully.

Can I freeze leftovers from the Cheesy Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta Bake?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container.

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