Pumpkin Pasta Bake

Difficulty Level: Easy

Total Time: 1 hour

Serving Size: 2-4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. zucca pasta or any short cut pasta

• 2 tbsp. butter

• 1/2 shallot, finely chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups pumpkin purée

• 2 tbsp. tomato paste

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1/4 cup vodka

• 3/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta

• 1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated

• 4 oz. smoked mozzarella, cubed

• 4 oz. ciliegine (mini mozzarella), torn

• 4 sprigs of basil for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over low heat and sauté the chopped shallot until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a further 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the pumpkin purée, tomato paste and 1/2 tsp. salt to the pan. Stir and let sit on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until the pumpkin-tomato mixture deepens in color.

4. Add 1/4 cup of vodka to deglaze the pan. Stir until the vodka has fully evaporated, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add more salt to taste.

6. Once the water comes to a boil, add plenty of salt. Cook the pasta until for half of the recommended cooking time. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.

7. Strain the pasta and add it to a large mixing bowl along with the pumpkin sauce and 1/4 cup pasta water. Mix in the ricotta, Parmigiano, smoked mozzarella and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt.

8. Top with the mini mozzarella and transfer the mixture to an oven safe baking dish.

9. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove and top with basil.