There’s something about a hearty pasta bake that warms the soul, especially as the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall. Enter the Autumn Pasta Bake—a comforting, flavorful dish packed with seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sage-infused sauce. It’s the perfect one-dish dinner for a cozy weeknight or a festive fall gathering.
Imagine this: tender pasta, roasted veggies, a velvety sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the kind of meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds, and the best part? It’s super easy to make!
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Why You’ll Love This Autumn Pasta Bake
- Packed with Fall Flavors: Roasted butternut squash, mushrooms, and fresh sage bring all the warm, comforting flavors of autumn into one dish.
- Creamy and Satisfying: A creamy sauce envelopes the pasta and vegetables, making every bite rich and indulgent.
- One-Dish Wonder: It’s a complete meal that you can assemble ahead of time and pop in the oven when you’re ready—perfect for busy weeknights or holiday entertaining.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by swapping in different veggies or adding a protein like chicken or sausage.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this cozy autumn pasta bake:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta works best)
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or shiitake work well)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Whisk
How to Make Autumn Pasta Bake
Let’s walk through the steps of making this comforting pasta bake:
1. Preheat the Oven and Roast the Vegetables:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the diced butternut squash, mushrooms, and onions on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg. Toss everything together, then roast for 20-25 minutes until the veggies are tender and slightly caramelized. Stir halfway through for even cooking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
While the veggies are roasting, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, cream, and vegetable broth. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, whisking often, until thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Pasta Bake:
Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, fresh sage, and creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Top with Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve:
Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a little extra fresh sage or thyme, and dig in!
What to Serve with Autumn Pasta Bake
This pasta bake is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here are a few ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Because no pasta dinner is complete without a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar is the perfect contrast to the richness of the pasta bake.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Keep the fall flavors going with a side of crispy roasted Brussels sprouts.
Tips for the Best Pasta Bake
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh sage really makes the flavors pop in this dish, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute dried sage (just use about half the amount).
- Don’t overcook the pasta: You want the pasta to be al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Aim for slightly firm when you drain it.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
- Add protein: If you want to bulk it up, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or even crispy bacon to the mix.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and I hope you do!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta bake gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Definitely! Cooked chicken, turkey sausage, or even ground turkey would be great additions. Just stir in the cooked meat when you combine the pasta and sauce.
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to swap in other fall veggies like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or kale. Roasted cauliflower or zucchini would also work well.
Conclusion: The Coziest Pasta Bake for Fall
This Autumn Pasta Bake is the perfect dish for when you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and full of fall flavors. With its creamy sauce, roasted veggies, and cheesy topping, it’s sure to be a hit with your family or guests. Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable to suit your tastes—what more could you ask for?
Looking for more fall-inspired dinner ideas? Check out these other seasonal recipes:
- Creamy Pumpkin Risotto
- Butternut Squash Lasagna
- Spiced Apple Pork Chops
Be sure to share your pasta bake creations on Pinterest and tag me—I’d love to see how it turns out for you!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 15g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
Warm up your fall nights with this delicious pasta bake, and enjoy every cozy bite!
