Introduction

As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting dish to wrap you in cozy vibes during the fall season. Enter the “Cozy Fall Casserole with Creamy Pumpkin Spice Pasta”—a delightful blend of seasonal flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. This dish combines the rich creaminess of a pumpkin-infused sauce with al dente pasta, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or simply indulging in the spirit of fall, this casserole is a heartwarming meal that brings everyone together at the dinner table.

Jump to Recipe

With the aromatic spices of cinnamon and nutmeg mingling with the savory notes of garlic and roasted vegetables, each bite transports you to a pumpkin patch on a crisp autumn day. Plus, it’s an excellent way to incorporate more seasonal produce into your diet, making it not only delicious but also nutritious! Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just looking to embrace the fall flavors, this cozy casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. So grab your baking dish and let’s dive into this comforting creation that’s destined to become your go-to fall dish!

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (your choice, like 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 cooked sausage (optional)
1/2 cup chopped spinach or kale
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, vegetable broth, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
1. Add the cooked pasta to the pumpkin mixture and stir until all the pasta is coated evenly.
1. If desired, fold in the diced turkey or sausage and chopped spinach or kale for added flavor and nutrition.
1. Pour the creamy pumpkin pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
1. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this cheesy mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
1. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until they are lightly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the cheese layer.
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
1. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 6

Key Ingredients

Pasta of Your Choice: 8 ounces (such as penne, fusilli, or shell pasta)
Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup (canned or homemade)
Heavy Cream: 1 cup for a rich and creamy texture
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: 1 cup
Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened for creaminess
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated, plus extra for topping
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for flavor
Onion: 1 medium, diced for sweetness
Spinach: 2 cups fresh, or 1 cup frozen (thawed and drained)
Mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced for umami depth
Pumpkin Pie Spice: 2 teaspoons (or adjust to taste)
Salt and Pepper: to taste
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing
Bread Crumbs: ½ cup, optional for topping
Fresh Sage or Thyme: for garnish (optional, but adds a wonderful aroma)

Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste, and don’t hesitate to get creative by adding in your favorite veggies or proteins! Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall in this hearty casserole.

Baking Process

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly throughout.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta (preferably penne or rotini for their bite and ability to hold onto the sauce) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of heavy cream, and the spices (1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Once combined, remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, creamy pumpkin sauce, and any additional mix-ins like sautéed spinach, roasted squash, or cooked sausage. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a delicious, crunchy topping.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Let it Rest: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for about 10 minutes to set. This makes it easier to serve.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy your cozy fall casserole that brings the flavors of the season right to your table!

This process not only results in a comforting, hearty dish but also fills your kitchen with irresistible autumn aromas. Happy baking!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Cozy Fall Casserole with Creamy Pumpkin Spice Pasta, consider these delightful serving suggestions:

Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle a mix of freshly chopped parsley and sage on top of the casserole just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fragrant aroma that complements the flavors beautifully.
Crispy Shallots: Top your casserole with crispy fried shallots or onions for an extra crunch and an added layer of flavor. You can make these at home or find them pre-made at most grocery stores.
Toast Pairings: Serve the casserole alongside slices of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread. These are perfect for scooping up any delicious remnants on your plate.
Side Salad: A light, refreshing mixed greens salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole. Consider adding slices of pear or dried cranberries for a fall twist.
Cheese Topping: For cheese lovers, sprinkle a generous layer of grated Parmesan or fontina cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. Broil for an additional minute to create a bubbly, golden crust.
Chili Flakes or Hot Sauce: If you’re in the mood for a kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce on your serving. The heat contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pumpkin spice.
Seasonal Beverages: Pair your casserole with a warm spiced apple cider or a pumpkin-flavored latte to embrace the cozy fall vibes even more.
Dessert Finish: End the meal on a sweet note with a slice of pumpkin pie or spiced apple cake to keep the autumn theme going.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect cozy fall dining experience!

Conclusion

This Cozy Fall Casserole with Creamy Pumpkin Spice Pasta is the perfect dish to embrace the warmth and flavors of autumn. With its rich and creamy pumpkin sauce, al dente pasta, and hearty toppings, this casserole not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a sense of comfort to any fall gathering. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish for a cozy family dinner or as a delightful side at a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to impress both friends and family alike.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings or add your favorite vegetables to personalize the dish. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for easy adaptations based on what you have on hand. Perfect for meal prep, this casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick weeknight dinner.

So grab your ingredients and enjoy the blissful flavors of fall with this deliciously creamy casserole. Happy cooking!