Introduction
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of amber and gold, and the air becomes crisp and cool, there’s no better way to embrace the cozy vibes of fall than with a warm, comforting dish. Enter the Cozy Fall Casserole with Creamy Pumpkin Spice Pasta—a delightful blend of seasonal flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
This casserole encapsulates everything we love about autumn: the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, the warmth of aromatic spices, and the satisfying heartiness of pasta. It’s an ideal meal for those chilly evenings when you’re looking to wrap yourself in a blanket and savor every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering with family and friends or simply treating yourself to a comforting solo dinner, this dish is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Plus, the promise of creamy pumpkin goodness layered throughout will surely have everyone coming back for seconds! So grab your favorite baking dish and let’s celebrate the flavors of fall together!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice, such as penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked and diced turkey or prepared sausage (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for decoration (optional)
Instructions
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- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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- In a large pot, heat salted water to a boil and cook the pasta following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, vegetable broth, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and black pepper, whisking until well blended.
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- Incorporate the cooked pasta into the pumpkin blend, stirring until every piece is thoroughly coated.
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- If you’d like, gently mix in the diced turkey or sausage along with the chopped spinach or kale for extra flavor and nutrition.
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- Transfer the creamy pumpkin pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
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- In another bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese with the grated Parmesan cheese. Evenly distribute this cheese mixture over the casserole’s surface.
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- In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with olive oil until lightly coated. Generously sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.
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- Bake in the hot oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumbs turn a golden brown.
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- Once out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes. If desired, decorate with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 6
Key Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne or fusilli works great)
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream or a plant-based alternative for a vegan option
- Cheese: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
- Vegetables: 1 cup of chopped spinach or kale, and 1 cup of diced butternut squash (fresh or frozen)
- Onion and Garlic: 1 medium onion, chopped, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Spices: 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper
- Broth: 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup of breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned for extra flavor)
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley or sage for garnishing
These ingredients come together to create a warm, comforting casserole that perfectly captures the essence of fall!
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your choice of pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and stir to combine. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream, followed by 1 cup of pumpkin puree. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the creamy pumpkin sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses). Add in any additional ingredients you like, such as cooked chicken or sautéed spinach. Mix until the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce.
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Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Top It Off: For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, sprinkle the top with ½ cup of breadcrumbs and an additional ½ cup of shredded cheese. You can also drizzle a little melted butter over the breadcrumbs for extra richness.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
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Cool and Serve: Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This will help it set a bit and make serving easier. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for added color and flavor, and serve warm.
This Cozy Fall Casserole with Creamy Pumpkin Spice Pasta is perfect for sharing during chilly autumn evenings or festive gatherings. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This Cozy Fall Casserole with Creamy Pumpkin Spice Pasta is a delightful dish that embodies the flavors of autumn. To enhance your dining experience, consider these serving suggestions:
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Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the casserole with a sprinkle of fresh sage or thyme for an aromatic touch that complements the pumpkin spice flavors beautifully.
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Accompany with a Side Salad: Serve alongside a mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the greens will balance the creaminess of the casserole. Adding some sliced apples or cranberries can bring an extra fall flair!
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Crusty Bread or Rolls: Offer warm, crusty bread or buttery rolls for dipping. A slice of toasted pumpkin bread can also be a delicious accompaniment that plays into the seasonal theme.
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Cheese: Consider a topping of freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for an added layer of flavor. Just sprinkle on top before serving for a little extra decadence.
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Pair with a Warm Drink: A warm spiced apple cider or a creamy pumpkin latte makes for a cozy beverage pairing that matches the dish perfectly.
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Leftovers for Lunch: This casserole reheats well—pack leftovers in airtight containers for a quick lunch the next day. Add a side of roasted vegetables for a hearty meal on the go.
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Dinner Party Friendly: If hosting friends or family, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. This allows each person to have their own serving while looking sophisticated.
Whatever you choose, this casserole is sure to bring warmth and comfort to any fall gathering. Enjoy!
Conclusion
This Cozy Fall Casserole with Creamy Pumpkin Spice Pasta is the perfect dish to embrace the vibrant flavors of autumn. With its creamy, spiced sauce, tender pasta, and wholesome veggies, it not only warms the soul but also offers a delightful twist on traditional comfort food. This recipe is versatile too; feel free to add your favorite seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash, sautéed mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of crispy sage for added depth.
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisper, gather your loved ones around the table to enjoy this hearty casserole that captures the essence of fall. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering with friends, this dish is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations on social media—let’s celebrate the flavors of the season together! Happy cooking!
