Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce
A hearty autumn dish blending pumpkin sweetness with tangy tomatoes.
Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce is a delightful baked dish that perfectly combines pasta with a homemade pumpkin and tomato sauce. This dish boasts a golden hue and a rich flavor profile, blending the creamy sweetness of pumpkin with the fresh tang of tomatoes, all topped with a creamy cheese layer for a mouthwatering experience.
👉🏻Ingredients list⚠️
200g pasta (such as penne)
300g pumpkin (peeled and cubed)
2 fresh tomatoes (peeled and diced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
A few fresh basil leaves
100g mozzarella cheese (shredded)
50g Parmesan cheese (grated)
👉🏻✨DIRECTIONS:
Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Make Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Add pumpkin cubes and cook until slightly softened. Stir in diced tomatoes and simmer until the sauce thickens, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Mix and Bake: Combine the cooked pasta with the pumpkin tomato sauce in a baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the baking dish in the middle rack and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
👉🏻✨TIPS
Adjust the ratio of pumpkin to tomatoes according to personal preference for sweetness or tanginess.
Monitor the baking time based on your oven's specifics to avoid overcooking the cheese.
👉🏻✨BENEFITS
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, promoting digestion, enhancing immunity, and making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or everyday dinners in autumn.
✨NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS:
Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, aiding in antioxidant protection and vision health. Tomatoes contain lycopene, beneficial for cardiovascular health. Pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, while cheese offers high-quality protein and calcium for bone health.
