Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on traditional Italian cuisine—Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce with Bacon! This creamy, savory sauce combines the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted butternut squash with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend feast, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Keep reading to discover how to whip up this mouthwatering masterpiece in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 300g pasta of your choice
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Peel the butternut squash carefully, removing the outer skin with a sharp vegetable peeler. Cut the squash into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- In the same skillet with bacon fat, sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet, stirring to coat with the bacon fat and onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the skillet and cook the squash for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash becomes soft and can be easily mashed.
- While the squash is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once the squash is tender, use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to create a smooth, rustic sauce consistency.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the squash sauce.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon pieces over the pasta and mix gently.
- Serve hot, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as rigatoni or fettuccine. Their grooves and ridges will capture the creamy butternut squash sauce beautifully.
- Perfectly Cooked Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and a delightful crunch.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Proper seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and balances the richness of the bacon.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. This starchy water is a great way to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Garnish Generously: Finish your dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a twist of black pepper for an extra layer of flavor that will impress your guests.
- Make it Vegetarian: For a meatless option, simply omit the bacon and sauté additional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a hearty alternative.With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create a delectable Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
