Best 2 Harvest Pasta Bake Recipes

Autumn is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season's bounty than with a warm and hearty harvest pasta bake? This delicious dish is packed with fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, and it's also easy to make.

In this article, you'll find two versions of this classic recipe: a traditional baked pasta and a lighter skillet version. Both are packed with flavor and goodness, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

The traditional baked pasta is made with a combination of penne pasta, vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, and a creamy sauce made with béchamel and cheese. It's then baked in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.

The skillet version is a lighter take on the classic dish. It's made with whole wheat pasta, a variety of vegetables, and a creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese. It's cooked entirely in a skillet, so it's quick and easy to make.

Both versions of this harvest pasta bake are delicious and satisfying. They're perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the flavors of fall!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HARVEST PASTA BAKE WITH PHILADELPHIA COOKING CREME

Harvest Pasta Bake with PHILADELPHIA Cooking Creme image

Your family will love this dish made with a creamy butternut squash sauce, rigatoni pasta, and Italian cheeses and baked to perfection.

Provided by Philadelphia Cooking Creme

Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Cooking with Philly Canada

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 (2 pound) butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 red onion, cut into 1 inch pieces
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups rigatoni pasta, uncooked
1 (10 ounce) tub Philadelphia Italian Three Cheese Cooking Creme
2 cups KRAFT 4 Cheese Italiano Shredded Cheese, divided

Steps:

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Combine first 4 ingredients in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
Bake 30 to 40 min. or until squash is tender. Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt.
Drain pasta, reserving 1/3 cup cooking water. Add to squash mixture with Cooking Creme, reserved water and 1 cup shredded cheese; mix lightly. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

HARVEST PASTA BAKE

Harvest Pasta Bake image

Chopped onions, red pepper and creamy butternut squash give this rigatoni pasta casserole its harvest veggie creds.

Provided by Kraft

Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 (2 pound) butternut squash, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 onion, cut lengthwise in half, then sliced crosswise
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 ⅓ cups rigatoni pasta, uncooked
4 ounces PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed, softened
¼ cup milk
1 (8 ounce) package KRAFT Shredded Three Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided
¼ cup croutons, crushed

Steps:

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Combine first 4 ingredients in 13x9-inch baking dish. Bake 30 to 40 min. or until squash is tender. Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt.
Drain pasta; return to pan. Add cream cheese and milk; stir until cream cheese is melted and sauce is well blended. Add to squash mixture with 1 cup shredded cheese; mix lightly. Top with crouton crumbs and remaining shredded cheese.
Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360 calories, Carbohydrate 40.8 g, Cholesterol 46.8 mg, Fat 17.6 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 12.8 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 265.8 mg, Sugar 5.1 g

Tips:

Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.
Don't overcrowd the pan when roasting the vegetables. Roast them in a single layer so they can caramelize and brown properly.
Use a good quality pasta sauce. You can make your own or use a store-bought brand that you like.
Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it according to the package directions so it's al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
Make sure the pasta and vegetables are well-coated in the sauce before baking.
Bake the pasta bake until it's bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving so it's easier to handle.

Conclusion:

Harvest pasta bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal. It's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. The combination of roasted vegetables, pasta, and cheese is always a winner, and this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.