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Irresistible Pumpkin Carbonara Recipe with Pancetta & Sage

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A creamy, comforting pumpkin carbonara with crispy pancetta and fragrant sage, perfect for autumn evenings and packed with rich, savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 4 ounces diced pancetta
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
  • 8 fresh sage leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and warm for 30 seconds, then add diced pancetta. Cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove pancetta and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add sage leaves and fry for 1-2 minutes until crispy. Remove and set aside with the pancetta.
  4. Lower the heat slightly and add minced garlic to the skillet. SautΓ© for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, pumpkin puree, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic, tossing to coat. Gradually pour the egg and pumpkin mixture over the pasta, stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent scrambling the eggs.
  7. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Stir in crispy pancetta and top with fried sage leaves before serving.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to ensure a silky sauce. Work quickly when combining the sauce with hot pasta to avoid scrambling the eggs. Use fresh sage for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pumpkin Carbonara, Pancetta, Sage, Autumn Recipe, Comfort Food, Italian Pasta, Fall Recipe