Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine! Our One Pot Creamy Pumpkin Bacon Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich, velvety smoothness of pumpkin with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. Imagine a creamy, decadent pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, requiring minimal cleanup and delivering maximum flavor. This recipe is about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of indulgence and convenience that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 4 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, in a separate skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove from the skillet, crumble, and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- After the pasta is done cooking, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Return the drained pasta to the pot.
- In the same pot with the pasta, add the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to ensure the pumpkin and cream are well incorporated.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the sauce is heated through and creamy, fold in the crumbled bacon, mixing well to distribute it evenly throughout the pasta.
- Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a minute to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve the creamy pumpkin bacon pasta warm, garnished with additional bacon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use freshly cooked bacon for the best flavor and texture. Crisp it up just before adding to the pasta to maintain its crunchiness.
- Don't discard the pasta water! This starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating the perfect sauce consistency. Add it gradually to adjust the sauce's thickness.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or sage to complement the pumpkin and bacon.
- Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like rigatoni or penne, to maximize the creamy goodness in every bite.
- If you want to make this dish lighter, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a milk alternative.
- For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with crispy pancetta or roasted pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end. The bacon and chicken broth can be salty, so add salt carefully.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature. The sauce tends to thicken as it cools.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 540kcal
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 60mg
