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Creamy Pumpkin Bacon Pasta

Creamy Pumpkin Bacon Pasta
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Creamy Pumpkin Bacon Pasta is a cozy and comforting fall dish that combines the velvety richness of pumpkin puree with smoky, crispy bacon tossed through tender pasta. This simple yet elegant recipe offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors with creamy texture, perfect for chilly evenings or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti

Sauce

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage or thyme, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Bacon

  • 6 slices bacon, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan to build the sauce’s base flavor.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the bacon fat. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, creating a savory foundation for the pumpkin sauce.
  4. Make the Pumpkin Sauce: Stir in the pumpkin puree and heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs. Let the sauce gently simmer, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the crispy bacon to the pan and toss in the cooked pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your preferred creaminess. Finish by stirring in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix everything thoroughly before serving warm.

Notes

  • Use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling for an authentic flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water when draining to help the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
  • Cook bacon on medium to low heat to avoid burning and maximize flavor extraction.
  • Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to maintain their bright aroma and flavor.
  • Adjust creaminess carefully by starting with less cream and adding more as needed to avoid a heavy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin pasta, creamy pumpkin sauce, bacon pasta, fall recipes, comfort food, autumn dinner, smoky bacon pasta

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/creamy-pumpkin-bacon-pasta/