My Pumpkin Chicken Pasta Bake Is a Cozy Family Favorite

My Pumpkin Chicken Pasta Bake Is a Cozy Family Favorite

6 servings
This weeknight-friendly pumpkin chicken pasta bake recipe uses canned pumpkin to create a creamy, silky, fall-flavored sauce for hearty rigatoni pasta.

Ingredients

  • mezze rigatoni or other short pasta
    1 lb
  • unsalted butter
    4 tbsp
  • can 100% pumpkin purée
    1
  • dried sage or 1 teaspoon fresh minced sage
    2 tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper
    1 tsp
  • kosher salt
    ½ tsp
  • rotisserie chicken

    shredded, about 2 1/2 cups

    1
  • grated havarti cheese
    2 c
  • chopped fresh chives

    for serving, optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions, reserving 1 1/4 cups of cooking water before draining.

  3. 3

    In the now-empty pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the pumpkin purée, dried sage, pepper, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until steaming, about 2 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

  4. 4

    Stir in the shredded chicken, then the cooked pasta and pasta water. Stir until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Top evenly with the shredded cheese.

  5. 5

    Bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Turn on the broiler and broil until the cheese is bubbly and browned and the pasta is beginning to brown on the edges, about 5 minutes.

  6. 6

    Serve topped fresh chives, if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!

My Pumpkin Chicken Pasta Bake Is a Cozy Family Favorite

My Pumpkin Chicken Pasta Bake Is a Cozy Family Favorite

50 min6 servings565 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for a delicious, comforting dinner that comes together easily on a busy weeknight? This My Pumpkin Chicken Pasta Bake Is a Cozy Family Favorite is your answer, bringing cozy, fall-flavored comfort to your table with minimal effort.

The brilliance of this pasta bake lies in its clever use of readily available canned 100% pumpkin purée, which effortlessly transforms into a rich, silky sauce without hours of simmering. Paired with the incredible convenience of shredded rotisserie chicken, you get a hearty, flavorful dish that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.

You can expect a wonderfully creamy and comforting experience with every forkful of this pumpkin chicken pasta bake. Hearty mezze rigatoni pasta is coated in a velvety, fall-flavored sauce, infused with aromatic sage and freshly ground black pepper. The generous amount of grated havarti cheese melts beautifully, adding a mild, buttery richness that perfectly complements the tender shredded chicken for a truly satisfying family dinner.

Customization & Serving Ideas

While mezze rigatoni is specified, feel free to use any other short pasta shape you have on hand. If you prefer, you can substitute the dried sage with fresh minced sage for a brighter herbal note. The mild flavor of havarti is key, but you could experiment with a similar creamy, melting cheese if needed.

This cozy pasta bake is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a casual family gathering. Serve it warm, optionally garnished with chopped fresh chives for an extra touch of color and a mild, oniony freshness that brightens the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions