Cozy Chicken Bacon Pumpkin Pasta Bake

Cozy Chicken Bacon Pumpkin Pasta Bake

This chicken bacon pumpkin pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food recipe for autumn and winter. It combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, creamy pumpkin sauce, and tender pasta baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck, this pumpkin pasta bake offers a unique twist on classic pasta bakes with its rich, warming flavors and satisfying textures. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• a splash of white wine (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 18 ounces pumpkin puree (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage

Method

 

1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cut the onion into thin slices and add to the melted butter in the pan. Keeping the heat on medium-low, cook the onions until they are caramelized and deep golden brown, about 20-30 minutes. You can add a splash of white wine as they’re cooking to get a little extra sweetness.
2. Puree the garlic, pumpkin, chicken broth, milk, olive oil, salt, sage, nutmeg, and pepper in a blender until smooth. Add to the caramelized onions in the pan and cook until heated through.
3. Cook the pasta according to package directions, stopping a little early so they are still firm enough to hold their shape in the oven. Drain and set aside.
4. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to boil and add the chicken, cooking for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink. Remove from the water; when cool enough to handle, shred the chicken.
5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Toss the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon with the pumpkin sauce and 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese.
6. Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish, top with remaining cheese and cover with greased foil to prevent sticking. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let stand a few minutes before serving.

Notes

– For extra crispy bacon, cook it separately until crisp before adding it to the bake.
– Ensure your pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor.
– Don’t overcook the pasta initially; it will continue to cook in the oven.

Pro tips

• For extra crispy bacon, cook it separately until crisp before adding it to the bake.
• Ensure your pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta initially; it will continue to cook in the oven.

Enjoy this delightful pumpkin pasta bake as a centerpiece for your next comforting meal. It’s a recipe that truly embodies the warmth of home cooking.

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