Squash Baked Pasta

This organic squash baked ziti pasta is a cozy, healthy twist on a classic Italian comfort dish. Made with a creamy squash purée base, it’s layered with tender pasta, rich tomato flavors, and plenty of fresh mozzarella that melts to golden perfection. Finished with fragrant fresh basil, this dish is wholesome, nourishing, and perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. A must-try for anyone looking for a healthy baked pasta recipe that’s both indulgent and nutrient-packed.

Course Dinner, Dinner Party, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword 45 minute dinner party meals, creamy pasta, easy dinner recipe, easy weeknight pasta recipe, family style meal ideas, healthy pasta recipe, healthy squash pasta, honey nut squash, last minute meals, mozzeralla baked pasta, organic fall recipe, organic healthy pasta recipe, organic italian pasta dish, organic squash baked zitti, quick and easy, summer dinner party

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 20

Total Time 45

Servings

Ingredients

Squash Purée

2 whole Honey Nut Squash Organic
1/4 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream Organic

Baked Pasta

17.6 oz Pasta (I use gemelli) Organic
3 tbsp Tomato Paste Organic
2 tbsp Red Pepper Organic
2 tbsp Italian Seasoning Organic
1 tbsp Fresh Thyme Organic
3 Cloves Freshly Minced Garlic Organic
1 Cup Pasta Water Filtered
2 Cups Crushed Tomatoes Organic
1/4 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream Organic
10 Whole Chicken Thighs Organic
1 Block Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Organic
1 Ball Hand Rolled Mozzarella Cheese Organic

Topping

2 Tbsp Fresh Basil Organic
1/4 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Organic

Instructions

Purée

Cut and peel 2 whole honey nut squash. Boil until soft, about 15 minutes.
Add a Splash of Heavy Whipping Cream.
Blend with an immersion blender until Smooth.

Cook Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water with a drizzle of olive oil until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then strain.

Make the Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Stir in tomato paste and let it bloom for 1–2 minutes.
Lower heat, add reserved pasta water, and whisk until combined.
Stir in squash purée, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream until smooth.

Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add pasta and chicken thighs into the sauce. Stir until evenly coated.

Assemble

Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
Top with shredded mozzarella and pieces of fresh, hand-rolled mozzarella.

Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil and parmesan, enjoy!

Video

@itislaurenmarie
My favorite fall pasta!! Full Recipe on my website under organic recipes! Laurenmariehealth.com #fallrecipes #squashrecipe #easydinnerideas #pastarecipes #healthydinner
♬ original sound - Country Sayings