When I need a holiday dessert that feels a little unexpected but still uses simple pantry staples, this baked bow tie pasta treat is such a fun one to make. It turns humble dry pasta into a cozy, sweet casserole-style dessert with warm Thanksgiving flavor, a soft custardy texture, and just enough golden edges to make everyone curious enough to ask for a second scoop. It has that budget-friendly, weeknight-easy appeal I always appreciate during a busy holiday week.
Serve this warm with a spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the easiest finishing touch. It also pairs nicely with hot coffee after Thanksgiving dinner, and if you want to dress it up a bit more, a light sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans on top makes it feel extra festive alongside the rest of the dessert table.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Thanksgiving Dessert with Bow Tie Pasta
Servings: 8
Ingredients
12 ounces dry uncooked bow tie pasta
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
4 cups milk
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour the dry uncooked bow tie pasta into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, milk, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the pasta, pressing the pasta down gently so it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil, stir gently, then return to the oven uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the top is lightly golden.
6. Let the dessert rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly. Scoop warm into bowls and serve as is or with whipped cream.
Variations & Tips
Add a crunchy topping: For a little texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking. That gives the soft pasta dessert a nice contrast and makes it feel more holiday-ready.
Make it extra warm-spiced: If you love stronger fall flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg along with the pumpkin pie spice. Since the ingredient list is intentionally short, a little extra spice can really change the personality of the dish.
Watch the liquid level: Different pasta brands can absorb liquid a little differently, so check the dish near the end of baking. If it looks dry before the pasta is tender, splash in a little more milk and continue baking until soft.
Best served warm: This dessert has the coziest texture right after it rests for a few minutes. If you make it ahead, reheat individual portions with a small splash of milk to loosen the sauce back up.
Dress it up for the table: A finishing touch of whipped cream, toasted nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel can make this simple pantry dessert look surprisingly special when you bring it out after Thanksgiving dinner.