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

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

  • August 27, 2026
  • 6 min read

Why You’re Supposed to Let Meat Rest

  • August 27, 2026
  • 4 min read

French Onion Steak Pinwheels

  • August 27, 2026
  • 13 min read

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

  • August 27, 2026
  • 6 min read

Most Olive Oil Labels Are Telling You

  • August 27, 2026
  • 4 min read

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Tacos

  • August 27, 2026
  • 11 min read

One Pot Beef & Noodles

  • August 27, 2026
  • 5 min read

The Dish You Make When You Don’t

  • August 27, 2026
  • 4 min read

Loaded Taco Deviled Eggs

  • August 27, 2026
  • 13 min read

Baked Queso Chicken

  • August 27, 2026
  • 6 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

Entrees
Benjamin Brown

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Spinach adds iron, fiber, and vitamins to this dish, sneaking in extra nutrition without changing the comforting, cheesy flavor everyone loves.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

Why You’re Supposed to Let Meat Rest (And What Happens If You Don’t)

Letting meat rest before slicing helps retain more of its natural juices, which also means retaining more of the B vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc that would otherwise be lost onto the cutting board — and resting meat away from direct heat also reduces the formation of certain compounds linked to prolonged high-heat exposure.

Read More »
Entrees
Amelia Grace

French Onion Steak Pinwheels

Flank steak is a naturally lean cut rich in protein, iron, and zinc—caramelized onions develop deep sweetness without any added sugar, making this an indulgent-tasting dish that’s more nutritious than it appears.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content