Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce (Vegetarian)

Introduction

Brimming with comforting flavors and golden, bubbly cheese, this Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce (Vegetarian) is the ultimate dinner solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The combination of velvety pumpkin, tangy tomato, and rich cheese delivers a uniquely satisfying experience that’s both filling and delicious—without any meat required. Simple to prepare and sure to please a crowd, this pasta bake shines as a wholesome main dish for family meals and gatherings alike.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce

This vegetarian pasta bake stands out thanks to its irresistible fusion of sweet roasted pumpkin and zesty tomato sauce. Together, they create a luscious, creamy base that perfectly coats every strand of pasta. Melted mozzarella and sharp Parmesan add a gooey, golden finish for that classic baked pasta appeal. It’s satisfying, packed with nutrients, and a clever way to include more veggies in your meal planning.

Crafting the Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce

Start by sautéing garlic and onions for a deep, aromatic flavor foundation. Add in pureed pumpkin and quality crushed tomatoes to create a sauce that’s both festive and hearty. Touches of Italian seasoning and fresh basil round out the flavors for a sauce that’s as lush as it is comforting. Be sure to let the sauce simmer: this melds the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of pumpkin while balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.

Assembling and Baking Your Cheesy Pasta Bake

Toss your cooked pasta with the pumpkin-tomato sauce, then layer everything into a baking dish. Add a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden-brown. For a little extra color and crunch, top with fresh basil or breadcrumbs before serving.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Pasta Bake

Pair this hearty pasta bake with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It reheats exceptionally well, making it perfect for leftovers or next-day lunches. For added texture, sprinkle toasted pepitas or pine nuts on top right before serving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 hearty servings. Each portion contains about 400 to 450 calories, with plenty of protein and fiber from the pasta, pumpkin, and cheese—a balanced, satisfying vegetarian main worth savoring.

Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin-Tomato Sauce (Recap)

Creamy pumpkin meets tangy tomato in this cheesy, bubbling baked pasta favorite. It’s a crowd-pleaser with hidden veggies, layers of flavor, and a bubbly cheese topping that everyone will love.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions), then drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the pumpkin puree, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well, then pour in vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
5. Turn off the heat and mix in chopped basil. Add drained pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
6. Transfer half of the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheeses.
7. Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or pepitas over the top for extra crunch.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. If you like extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch carefully).
9. Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.

Weekly Meal Planning

This vegetarian cheesy pasta bake is a meal prep superstar. With minimal ingredients and easy assembly, you can double the batch for make-ahead lunches or effortless dinners. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which days to make it and generate smart shopping lists that consolidate ingredients from all planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections
• Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
• Makes weekly meal prep more efficient and organized

Pro tip: When planning multiple meals with similar ingredients—like cheese or tomato—you’ll see exactly how much to buy for the week, reducing waste and saving time. Schedule your recipes for custom shopping lists tailored to your full meal plan.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes