Butternut Squash Carbonara Pasta

Butternut Squash Carbonara Pasta

Healthy Fact of the Day

This Butternut Squash Carbonara offers a nutritious twist on the classic pasta dish. Butternut squash provides vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. It adds creaminess while reducing the need for excessive dairy. To make it healthier, use whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients. Consider adding more vegetables like spinach or peas. Using turkey bacon instead of pancetta can lower saturated fat content. While more nutritious than traditional carbonara, it's still calorie-dense, so mind your portions. Pairing with a large salad can balance the meal and increase your vegetable intake.

Ingredients

 

  • 1 lb spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 cups butternut squash, cubed
  • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup grated Pecorino
  • Romano cheese
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. Toss squash cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.

  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.

  4. In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.

  5. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened.

  6. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

  7. Blend roasted squash with 1/4 cup pasta water until smooth.

  8. In a bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolk, Pecorino Romano, cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

  9. In the large skillet, toss hot pasta with squash puree and egg mixture, stirring quickly.

  10. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.

  11. Fold in crispy pancetta and chopped sage.

  12. Serve immediately with extra cheese and black pepper.

Twirl your fork into this Butternut Squash Carbonara and let the silky squash sauce, punctuated by crispy pancetta and aromatic sage, transport you to autumn bliss. Each bite is a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, marrying Italian tradition with seasonal flair. So fire up that oven, grab your pasta pot, and prepare for a culinary hug that warms both body and soul!

Recent Recipes

One Can of Coconut Milk, Five Completely

  • April 25, 2026
  • 3 min read

Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls

  • April 25, 2026
  • 12 min read

The Flavor Builders Most Home Cooks Throw

  • April 25, 2026
  • 7 min read

Creamy Slow Cooker Onion Potatoes

  • April 25, 2026
  • 10 min read

Lay’s Is Dropping 40 World Cup Flavors

  • April 24, 2026
  • 3 min read

What Chefs Know About Texture That Most

  • April 24, 2026
  • 7 min read

Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole

  • April 24, 2026
  • 10 min read

Aldi Just Dropped Three Street Taco Meal

  • April 23, 2026
  • 3 min read

French Kiss Cocktail

  • April 23, 2026
  • 10 min read

The Prep Work Professionals Do That Home

  • April 23, 2026
  • 7 min read

Tip of the Day

“Always let your meat rest before slicing.”

Whether you're roasting a chicken, grilling steak, or baking pork tenderloin, letting cooked meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute evenly. This simple step keeps your meat juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. Bonus: It gives you a moment to plate your sides or garnish for a perfect presentation!

Our Latest Recipes

Blog
Daily Disher

One Can of Coconut Milk, Five Completely Different Uses

Canned coconut milk is higher in saturated fat than most plant-based milks, but a little goes a long way — and the payoff in flavor means you’re not reaching for butter or heavy cream to get the same richness. If you want a lighter option, look for “lite” coconut milk, which has significantly less fat and still works well in soups, rice, and chia pudding. For the whipped cream, though, you’ll want the full-fat version — lite won’t whip up the same way.

Read More »
Breakfast
Aurora Wright

Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon has natural anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels, making these indulgent rolls slightly healthier than they appear—though they’re still pure treat material.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

The Flavor Builders Most Home Cooks Throw Away

Using the braising liquid and pan drippings from cooked meat as the base for sauces and gravies — rather than discarding them — preserves a significant portion of the B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, that leach from meat into surrounding liquids during cooking. A sauce built from braising liquid recaptures nutrients that would otherwise be lost, making the culinary practice of using every part of the pan a nutritionally sound one as well.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content