Roasted Butternut Squash and Bacon Pasta

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this irresistible Roasted Butternut Squash and Bacon Pasta! Perfectly caramelized butternut squash pairs with crispy bacon and tender pasta, all tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce that’s both comforting and indulgent. Seasoned with hints of garlic and optional fresh thyme, this dish boasts a harmonious balance of savory and sweet. Quick enough to make on a busy weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining, it’s finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Whether you’re craving a family favorite or looking for an impressive meal idea, this recipe is a satisfying celebration of seasonal ingredients.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 35 min
• Total Time: 55 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

12 items

• 4 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

📝 Instructions

10 steps

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Spread the diced butternut squash on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

3. Roast the butternut squash in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and caramelized.

4. While the squash is roasting, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet (drain any excess, if needed).

5. 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 water before draining.

6. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and stir until heated through.

7. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, use the reserved pasta water (a few tablespoons at a time) to thin it to your desired consistency.

8. Add the roasted butternut squash, cooked pasta, and crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated in the sauce.

9. Season with the remaining salt, pepper, and fresh thyme (if using). Adjust seasonings to taste.

10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (442.5g)

Calories		730
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		47.3 g	61%
	Saturated Fat	24.3 g	122%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		118 mg	39%
Sodium		1301 mg	57%
Total Carbohydrate		55.8 g	20%
	Dietary Fiber	6.6 g	24%
	Total Sugars	5.8 g
Protein		23.0 g	46%
Vitamin D		0.2 mcg	1%
Calcium		464 mg	36%
Iron		2.2 mg	12%
Potassium		961 mg	20%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1703 cal (57.5%%)

Protein: 369 cal (12.5%%)

Carbs: 889 cal (30.0%%)