Get ready to transform your pasta night with a mind-blowing twist on the classic carbonara! This Winter Squash Carbonara Pasta is not just another recipe—it's a culinary adventure that marries the creamy, indulgent essence of traditional carbonara with the sweet, velvety texture of winter squash. Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a luxurious sauce that combines crispy pancetta, rich eggs, and the subtle sweetness of seasonal squash. This dish is about to become your new obsession, guaranteed to impress dinner guests and satisfy your deepest comfort food cravings!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 cups winter squash, peeled and diced
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by peeling and dicing winter squash into small, uniform cubes. Finely chop fresh parsley and set aside.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown, rendering its fat, about 5-6 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and grated Parmesan cheese together until well combined. Season with a pinch of black pepper.
- Add diced winter squash to the pancetta skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until squash is tender and lightly caramelized, stirring occasionally.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Drain pasta and immediately return it to the hot pot.
- Pour egg and cheese mixture over hot pasta, quickly stirring to coat and create a creamy sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Add the pancetta and squash mixture to the pasta, gently tossing to combine all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Plate the pasta in warm serving dishes and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, creamy texture and seasonal flavors of the winter squash carbonara.
Tips
- Choose the Right Squash: Opt for butternut or kabocha squash for the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Mise en Place is Key: Prep all ingredients before cooking to ensure a smooth, stress-free cooking process.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water—it's the secret to creating a silky, perfectly emulsified sauce.
- Temperature Control: When adding egg mixture to hot pasta, work quickly and stir constantly to prevent scrambling.
- Crisp Your Pancetta: Cook pancetta or bacon until just crispy to add a perfect textural contrast.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for maximum flavor impact.
- Serve Immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, to maintain its creamy consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
