Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta Bake

What You'll Need

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground thyme
• one teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• fresh parsley, chopped
• nonstick cooking spray
• one pound penne pasta
• three tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• one cup onion, chopped finely
• one cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded and divided

How to Make It

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and spray a 13" x 9" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook penne in boiling salted water to al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain and set aside.
4. Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet oven medium heat.
5. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to low and add the pumpkin puree, almond milk, cheddar cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
7. Stir to combine ingredients until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. Add the drained penne and stir to evenly coat noodles in the sauce.
9. Pour into prepared dish.
10. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small bowl and add panko breadcrumbs.
11. Stir to combine and sprinkle evenly over top of the penne.
12. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
13. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.