Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only comforting but also bursting with flavor? Introducing the White Bean Sausage Pumpkin Pasta Bake—a delightful Italian-inspired recipe that combines hearty ingredients into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. This dish is perfect for cozy family gatherings or a quick weeknight meal, and it only takes 45 minutes from start to finish! With savory Italian sausage, creamy pumpkin puree, and a cheesy topping, this pasta bake will have everyone coming back for seconds. Read on to discover how to make this scrumptious dish that’s sure to impress!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 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.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the sausage, then return the skillet to the stove. Add drained white beans and pumpkin puree to the sausage. Stir to combine.
- Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently fold everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sausage and pumpkin mixture.
- Transfer the entire 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 slightly golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as penne or rigatoni, to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: The Italian seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors in this dish. Feel free to add extra herbs like thyme or oregano for a personalized touch.
- Brown the Sausage Well: Make sure to brown the Italian sausage thoroughly to develop a rich flavor. The caramelization adds depth to your bake.
- Mix Well: When combining the pasta with the sausage and pumpkin mixture, gently fold everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors without breaking the pasta.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: If you’re a cheese aficionado, don’t hesitate to add more mozzarella or sprinkle some feta cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy finish.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's fresh flavor profile. With these tips, your White Bean Sausage Pumpkin Pasta Bake will turn out perfectly every time. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
