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As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm, creamy pasta dish. One standout recipe that captures the essence of autumn is the Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Pasta Bake. This dish not only brings together the rich, nutty flavor of pumpkin with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, but it also serves as a hearty meal that can easily feed a family or impress guests at gatherings.

Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Pasta Bake

Discover the comforting delight of Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Pasta Bake, the perfect dish for cozy fall evenings. This hearty recipe pairs tender chicken with creamy pumpkin sauce and al dente penne pasta, creating a meal that's sure to impress family and friends. With tips for achieving the ideal texture and flavor, this dish not only brings warmth to the table but also packs in nutrition. Try it for your next gathering and enjoy a taste of autumn!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (about 225 g) penne pasta

2 cups (about 300 g) cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup (about 240 ml) pumpkin puree

1 cup (about 240 ml) heavy cream

1 cup (about 100 g) grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup (about 100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried sage

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

      Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, dried sage, dried thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is well combined and heated through.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, shredded chicken, and pumpkin sauce. Mix well until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.

            Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch (about 23x33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella.

              Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

                Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 50 min | 6 servings