Pasta with Pumpkin and Bacon

This delightful pasta dish combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the savory, salty notes of crispy bacon. The hint of onion and the richness of butter enhance the flavors, while Parmesan cheese adds a nutty finish. This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners and is simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough to impress guests. Quick to make, it requires just 30 minutes from start to finish. The combination of ingredients provides a harmonious balance in taste and texture, making it both satisfying and comforting. Ideal for fall when pumpkins are abundant, it's a creative way to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals. Enjoy this delicious pasta with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete dining experience. Pair it with your favorite wine, and you have a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

0.5 kg pumpkin, cubed
400 g pasta
140 g bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
25 g butter
3 tbsp olive oil
Parmesan cheese, grated

Spices and Sauces

Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Water, for boiling pasta

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Cook the Bacon: In a heated pan, add one tablespoon of olive oil and cook the bacon pieces until crispy. This should take about 5 minutes.
Add Onion: Pour in the remaining olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Add Pumpkin: Stir in the butter to melt. Then add the cubed pumpkin to the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook Pumpkin: Mix everything well, making sure the pumpkin is coated in the bacon fat and butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender but not falling apart.
Boil Pasta: While the pumpkin is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta.
Combine and Serve: Once everything is cooked, combine the pasta with the pumpkin mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Grate Cheese: Grate a generous amount of Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over the pasta.
Final Touch: Give a final toss to the pasta to distribute the cheese uniformly. Serve immediately for best flavor. Enjoy your meal!

Tips

Substitutions: Use butternut squash if pumpkin is unavailable.
Enhancements: Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat or some fresh herbs like sage for additional flavor.
Cheese Options: Pecorino Romano can be used as an alternative to Parmesan.
Cooking Tip: Ensure the pumpkin is not overcooked so it holds its shape in the sauce.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 600 kcal per serving
Protein: 22g
Fats: 30g
Carbs: 67g

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add toasted nuts for crunch.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Vegan Alternative: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and cheese with nutritional yeast.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a green side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Serve with garlic bread or a loaf of crusty bread.
Complement with a glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Best Places

Bacaro - A vibrant Italian eatery known for its pasta dishes. Location: 1312 18th St NW, Washington, DC, USA.
Trattoria Cammillo - Classic Italian with homemade pasta specialties. Location: Borgo San Jacopo, 57/r, Florence, Italy.
Pasta e Vino - Offers an intimate Italian dining experience. Location: 110 Sunset Rd, London, UK.
Osteria Morini - Northern Italian pastas in a beautiful setting. Location: 218 Lafayette St, New York, USA.
Ristorante Quadri - Fine dining with exquisite pasta options. Location: Piazza San Marco, 121, Venice, Italy.
L’Anima - Modern Italian cuisine highlighting handmade pasta. Location: 1 Snowden St, London, UK.
La Cucina - Cozy spot with traditional pasta recipes. Location: 1314 U St NW, Washington, DC, USA.
Minonda - Local favorite for its hearty Italian plates. Location: 330 Gough St, San Francisco, USA.
Pane e Olio - Perfect blend of simplicity and taste. Location: 76a High St, Boston, UK.
Casa Tua - Combines a romantic atmosphere with artisanal pasta. Location: 1700 James Ave, Miami Beach, USA.