Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner routine with a dish that's bursting with flavor and comfort? Look no further than this delectable Pumpkin Sausage Spinach Pasta Bake! Imagine creamy pumpkin puree enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant spinach, all topped with gooey melted cheese. This recipe not only delivers on taste but also offers a wholesome twist that will impress your family and friends. With just 50 minutes from prep to table, you'll be wondering why you didn’t try this culinary delight sooner! Dive into our recipe and discover the magic of fall flavors in every bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the pumpkin puree to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly with the pumpkin and sausage mixture. If the mixture seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
- Gently fold in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt slightly from the heat of the mixture.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh ground black pepper or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While penne and rigatoni work beautifully, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like fusilli or shells to add a fun twist to your dish.
- Sauté the Spinach: To enhance the flavor, consider sautéing the spinach briefly before adding it to the mixture. This will intensify its taste and help it blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Customize Your Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, try mixing in some smoked mozzarella or adding a sprinkle of feta cheese on top before baking.
- Make It Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Assemble everything in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Add Some Crunch: For a delightful texture contrast, consider topping your pasta bake with breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of olive oil and Italian herbs before baking. This will give your dish a crispy, golden finish.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving will not only enhance the appearance but also add a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
