Get ready to transform your dinner table with a dish that's about to become your new autumn obsession! This Baked Penne with Pumpkin Cream Sauce is not just a meal—it's a creamy, comforting culinary experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety pumpkin sauce, topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust that adds the perfect crunch. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious weeknight meal, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and bring a touch of Italian-inspired magic to your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. The pasta should be slightly firm when bitten. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, heavy cream, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and well-integrated.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the pumpkin cream sauce over the pasta and gently stir to coat every piece evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Transfer the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil. Scatter the seasoned breadcrumbs evenly across the surface of the pasta.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your penne just until al dente to prevent mushy texture. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking ensures the perfect final bite.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out. This starchy water helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Breadcrumb Brilliance: For extra flavor in your breadcrumb topping, mix in some grated Parmesan or dried herbs like thyme or oregano before sprinkling.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble this dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving cleaner and more elegant.
- Customize Your Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for some of the heavy cream.
- Garnish Game: Fresh chopped parsley, additional Parmesan, or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate the final presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 472kcal
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
