Introduction
As the leaves start to turn and the air gets a little crisp, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm, comforting meal. Enter the One-Pan Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta—a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of autumn into your kitchen without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something delicious for the whole family, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
The star of this dish is, of course, pumpkin. Not only does it add a lovely creaminess to the sauce, but it’s also packed with nutrients and adds that quintessential fall flavor. Combined with pasta, a blend of melty cheeses, and a few aromatic spices, this one-pan wonder will have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, cleanup is a breeze! So grab your favorite cooking pot, and let’s dive into this deliciously cheesy, comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (your choice, penne or fusilli work great)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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- In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
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- Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
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- Add the pasta to the skillet, followed by the canned pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
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- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
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- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the pasta seems too thick, you can add a little more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
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- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (like penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup (canned or homemade)
- Vegetable Broth: 4 cups for cooking the pasta and adding flavor
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, for creaminess and richness
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded, preferably sharp for extra flavor
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced for aromatic depth
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh, for added nutrition and color
- Italian Seasoning: 1-2 teaspoons for a herby touch
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Parmesan Cheese: Optional, for garnishing before serving
This delightful combination of ingredients comes together to create a hearty, cheesy dish perfect for busy weeknights!
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pasta bakes evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
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Prep the Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients, including pasta, pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, garlic, onion, cheese (preferably a mix of mozzarella and parmesan), and your favorite seasonings (such as sage, thyme, or nutmeg). Dice the onion and mince the garlic beforehand to save time.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they are translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Combine Pasta and Liquids: Add the uncooked pasta to the pan, followed by the pumpkin puree and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated with the pumpkin mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Season It Up: Sprinkle in your chosen seasonings, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
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Add Cheese: Once the pasta is nicely mixed with the liquids and spices, it’s time to add a generous amount of cheese. Stir half of the mozzarella into the pasta mixture to create a creamy, cheesy base. Reserve the remaining cheese for topping.
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Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the top is golden and bubbly. If you like a crispier cheese topping, broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
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Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and additional flavor.
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Enjoy: Serve the cheesy pumpkin pasta directly from the pan for a cozy family dinner, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
This one-pan cheesy pumpkin pasta is not just easy to make; it’s also a comforting dish that will surely impress the entire family. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your One-Pan Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta into a delightful family meal, consider the following serving suggestions:
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Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as basil, parsley, or sage to add a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
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Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top just before serving to add a spicy kick.
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Toasted Nuts: Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast and nutty flavor that complements the creaminess of the dish.
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Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a simple baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. This makes for a hearty addition that everyone will love.
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Side Salad: Pair with a fresh side salad. A mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the pasta.
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Cheese Variety: Offer a selection of cheeses on the side such as grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, or goat cheese, allowing everyone to customize their dish to their taste.
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Protein Boost: For added protein, consider serving the pasta with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
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Wine Pairing: Complement your meal with a nice glass of white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pumpkin.
With these serving suggestions, you’ll transform your One-Pan Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta into a well-rounded and inviting family dinner that everyone will enjoy!
Conclusion
This One-Pan Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you still want to serve a comforting, delicious meal to your family without spending hours in the kitchen. With the creaminess of the pumpkin, the richness of the cheese, and the wonderful blend of herbs, this dish hits all the right notes for a satisfying dinner. Plus, the fact that it’s all made in one pan means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal together.
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies, proteins, or spices to make it your own. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a quick meal for one, this pasta dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. So, grab your ingredients, whip up this delightful dish, and enjoy a heartwarming family dinner that everyone will love! Don’t forget to share your variations and experiences in the comments below—happy cooking!
