Recipe : Pumpkin Pasta Bake

This is something that I made up (which is very unusual for me) so there is no actual recipe. Instead I will let you know what I included and how I put it together and you can decide how much of each ingredient you want to use – there really is no right or wrong with this “recipe”.

What you will need :

Butternut Pumpkin (or any type of pumpkin) : Diced

Pasta : Any type and quantity (I used a whole packet of bow tie pasta)

Baby Spinach : Lots and lots and even more (as it wilts down to nothing)

Favourite Pasta Sauce : 1-2 jars depending on size

Grated Vegan Cheese (or whatever you prefer)

How to make :

Baked pumpkin (or cook the air fryer as I did). No need for any oil.

Once pasta is cooked, drain and return to pan. Add baby spinach, mix through and put lid on to allow it to wilt.

Then add all other ingredients (except cheese) and mix well. Add more pasta sauce if desired.

Transfer to casserole dish or oven safe dish and top with vegan cheese.

Cook/bake in moderate oven (180C for about 20mins.

Serve and enjoy. And be sure to let me know if you like it.

*** Hubby always add extra cheese to his once served

***If doing as part of a meal prep I can leave the baking until the day of serving or I can cook and store in fridge to reheat in the microwave.

*** This freezes really well (at least when using white pasta)

A saucy dinner

Up early today and headed out on a walk. It was cold and drizzly so a cup of tea was in order upon our return.

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Later I made pancakes for Christy since we had no bread. I decided to have one too – topped with banana and maple syrup.

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After I dropped the girls at school I headed to gym for a cardio workout. 20mins on the eliptical and 10min on the bike and I was a sweaty mess. Home for a shower and a chocolate protein shake.

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Then I was off to get the groceries. Had to visit both Coles and Aldi today. Lunch was a black bean burger on country grain bread with tomato, cucumber and some cheese.

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Afterwards I finished the chocolate bar I nibbled on while shopping :-).

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I was in a real funny mood this afternoon so found myself wanting to nibble and snack. I tried not to. I had some crackers and cheese for my planned snack.

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There was also a few handfuls of tiny teddies :-(.

Dinner was roast vegetable pasta.

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I wanted to improve on the tomato sauce so I cooked up some grated carrot, zucchini and sweet potato, with some baby spinach added at the last minute.

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Then topped with the jar of sauce.

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Served over the pasta with a sprinkling of cheese. Delicious.

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I wanted some ice cream but opted for a low fat Billabong instead. Hoping to be in a better mood tomorrow.