Dive into the comforting embrace of autumn with our irresistible Pumpkin Pasta with Bacon! This delightful dish combines the rich, creamy texture of pumpkin puree with the savory crunch of crispy bacon, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also a quick and easy meal that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, cook the 4 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the 1 cup of pumpkin puree. Stir it into the grease over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until it is heated through.
- Next, pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine it with the pumpkin puree. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the nutmeg is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the pumpkin sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the pasta, tossing everything together to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes over low heat to warm through.
- Serve the pumpkin pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Pasta with Bacon!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as fettuccine or penne, to maximize the flavor in every bite.
- Bacon Alternatives: If you're looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or pancetta can be great substitutes that still provide that delicious smoky flavor.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to ensure your sauce has the right flavor and consistency.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth for a creamy yet lighter option.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like sage or thyme can elevate the dish even further—try adding them to the sauce for an aromatic touch.
- Save Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water is a fantastic way to adjust the sauce's thickness without losing flavor.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store the pasta and sauce separately to maintain the best texture. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to bring it back to life.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
