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Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Crispy Bacon

creamy roasted butternut squash pasta - featured image
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A comforting weeknight pasta dish featuring a silky, dairy-light sauce made from roasted butternut squash, balanced with salty crispy bacon and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 lb Rigatoni or Penne pasta
  • Thick-cut bacon (approx. 4-6 slices)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • Splash of heavy cream or whole milk (optional)
  • Olive oil for roasting
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh sage or thyme leaves for garnish
  • Reserved starchy pasta water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. While squash roasts, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Sauté diced onion in bacon fat until translucent (4-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add roasted squash to the skillet with onions and garlic. Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 1 minute. Transfer mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  5. Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
  6. Return squash sauce to the skillet over low heat. Add drained pasta and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
  7. Crumble most of the crispy bacon into the pasta, reserving some for topping. Garnish with fresh sage, remaining bacon, and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure squash cubes are in a single layer on the baking sheet to roast rather than steam. Do not skip the pasta water as it helps emulsify the sauce. Blend the squash sauce while hot for the smoothest texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash pasta, creamy pasta, bacon pasta, fall recipes, vegetarian options, comfort food, quick weeknight dinner

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