This Pasta with Butternut Squash, Bacon, and Brown Butter is a comforting and savory dish perfect for chilly evenings. The sweetness of the butternut squash, the richness of the brown butter, and the smokiness of the bacon come together to create a delightful meal that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work well)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté the Squash: Add the diced butternut squash to the skillet with the bacon grease. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the squash to the plate with the bacon.
- Brown the Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma, about 3-4 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic and sage, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked bacon and butternut squash to the skillet with the brown butter. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates or bowls. Garnish with more grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Protein: 20g
Prep and Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 4 people
Pasta with Butternut Squash, Bacon, and Brown Butter is a wonderfully balanced dish, featuring a mix of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors. It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to become a fall favorite in your home. Enjoy this rich and satisfying pasta dish with family and friends!
