Pumpkin Pasta Bake
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Bake, which is cheesy and delicious! This easy-to-make pasta casserole is a great vegan weeknight dinner with wholesome ingredients. The recipe is meat-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, plant-based, oil-free, and can be made gluten-free.
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 onion diced
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley chopped (see notes)
- 1 pound (450 g) pumpkin puree (see notes)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water
- 2/3 cup (160 ml) plant-based milk
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Black pepper to taste
- 7 oz (200 g) vegan cheese of choice
- Fresh herbs to garnish
Instructions
- You can watch the video in the post for visual instructions.Boil the pasta until it's al dente (check the pasta packaging for orientation but cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes less). Don't drain all the pasta water but reserve about 1/2 cup.
- Meanwhile, chop the onion, parsley, and garlic. Preheat oven to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
- Heat oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat and add the diced onion + minced garlic.
- Cook for about 3 minutes, then add the spices, pumpkin puree, and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine.
- Add plant-based milk + parsley and let simmer for a few minutes.
- Stir in the drained pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt/pepper/herbs to taste if needed. You can add more plant-based milk if you want the pasta bake to be creamier.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking pan (6×9 or 8×8), and spread it evenly.
- Add vegan cheese on top (I used my easy vegan cheese sauce).
- Bake at 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for about 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown on top and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy immediately. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
- You can use any greens of choice. If you choose spinach or kale over the parsley, I would suggest adding about 1-2 cups.
- I made my own pumpkin puree. Check the blog post above to read how I made it.
- Recipe serves 4. Nutrition facts are for one serving.
Nutrition Facts
Pumpkin Pasta Bake
Amount per Serving
Calories
462
% Daily Value*
Fat
11.8
g
18
%
Carbohydrates
67
g
22
%
Fiber
13
g
52
%
Sugar
8
g
9
%
Protein
17
g
34
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.