Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Savory Pumpkin Pasta Bake. It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary superstar!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions indicate for al dente. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming mushy. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic, thyme, sage, nutmeg, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until incredibly fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Pumpkin Base
Add the entire can of pumpkin puree to the skillet with the aromatics. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the pumpkin to deepen in flavor. This step helps to cook out any “canny” taste. Scrape this mixture into a bowl and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Roux-Based Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the ¼ cup of flour to form a paste (a roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the warmed milk and broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, whisking, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine the Sauces and Add Cheese
Remove the thickened white sauce from the heat. Whisk in the reserved pumpkin and onion mixture until fully combined and smooth. Stir in ½ cup of the grated Parmesan, all of the shredded Gruyère, and the ricotta cheese. Whisk until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is uniform. Season with the 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning—this is your chance to make it perfect.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour the luxurious pumpkin cheese sauce over the drained pasta in the large pot. Stir gently but thoroughly until every piece of pasta is coated in the vibrant orange sauce. If using any optional add-ins like sausage or kale, fold them in now.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the chopped parsley. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the pasta. Bake, uncovered, for 25-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. For an extra crispy top, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.