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As the leaves begin to change and a crisp chill fills the air, autumn invites us to cozy up with heartwarming meals that nourish both the body and soul. One such dish that embodies the essence of this season is the Cozy Autumn Pasta Delight with Roasted Garlic. This recipe is a celebration of rich flavors, featuring sweet roasted garlic, creamy pumpkin puree, and vibrant spinach, all enveloped in perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this dish strikes a delightful balance between comfort and culinary sophistication.

Fall Crockpot Pasta with Roasted Garlic

Embrace the essence of autumn with the Cozy Autumn Pasta Delight featuring roasted garlic. This heartwarming dish combines sweet roasted garlic, creamy pumpkin puree, and vibrant spinach, all nestled in perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ideal for family gatherings or dinner parties, it's a delightful balance of comfort and sophistication. Learn how to prepare this seasonal favorite with easy-to-follow steps and celebrate the flavors of fall in your kitchen. Perfect for sharing and enjoying with loved ones!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb penne pasta

1 head of garlic

1 onion, finely chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup fresh spinach

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Roasted Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until soft and caramelized. Let cool, then squeeze the cloves into a bowl and mash until smooth.

    Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent.

      Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: In your crockpot, add the sautéed onions, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, mashed roasted garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), pumpkin puree, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

        Add the Pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the crockpot. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a bit more broth or water to ensure the pasta is covered.

          Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente and the sauce should thicken slightly.

            Finish the Dish: About 5 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt into the sauce.

              Serve: Ladle the pasta into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

                Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall!

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 6