White Bean, Sausage, Pumpkin Pasta Bake
INGREDIENTS
12 oz pasta, cavatappi or other shape noodle
1 lb sausage, Italian, sweet
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour, all-purpose
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups milk, of choice
1 15 oz can pumpkin, puree
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp nutmeg, ground
5 sprigs thyme, fresh
2 15 oz cans white kidney (cannellini) beans, red; thinly sliced
5 oz spinach, baby
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to directions on box until just al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup starch pasta water before draining (just scoop out with a mug). Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, brown the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking up into small pieces as it cooks. Remove from skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same skillet and then whisk in the flour until it starts to bubble. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Whisk in the chicken broth a little at a time, followed by the pumpkin puree, milk, tomato sauce, spices, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the the spinach, mixing and letting wilt after each handful and then add the beans.
- Mix the pasta, sauce, sausage, and pasta water together.
- Spoon half the mixture into the pan, cover with 1 cup cheese, add remaining pasta mix and then remaining cheese. Sprinkle with fresh thyme sprigs.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover, turn oven to broil and cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden.
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INGREDIENTS For Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. ground nutmeg ½ tsp. salt 1 cup granulated sugar ½ cup brown sugar (packed) 1 cup vegetable oil 4 large eggs (room temperature) 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 ½ cups carrots (finely grated) ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained) ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) For Frosting: 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 3-4 cups confectioner’s sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of salt INSTRUCTIONS For Cake: Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line the bottoms with parchment paper. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Gently fold in the grated carrots, drained pineapple, and nuts (if using). Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool: Let the cakes cool completely in the pans (or chill them) before frosting. For Cake: Make Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, then mix in the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Garnish: If desired, garnish with extra nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon.
INGREDIENTS 1 lb. carrots (peeled and cut into 2-3 inch sticks, or whole small carrots) 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 Tbsp. honey 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp. dried thyme) ¼ tsp. salt ⅛ tsp. black pepper 1 Tbsp. orange juice (optional) ½ tsp. orange zest (optional) 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley (for garnish) INSTRUCTIONS Parboil the Carrots: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 4-5 minutes until just tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside. Make the Glaze: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, stir in the honey and thyme. Glaze and Caramelize: Add the carrots to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender and lightly caramelized. Season and Finish: Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the orange juice and zest (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the carrots. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
