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

The Stories Behind the World’s Most Iconic

  • June 24, 2026
  • 11 min read

Portobello Mushrooms with Wine and Thyme

  • June 24, 2026
  • 12 min read

Pizza Grilled Cheese

  • June 24, 2026
  • 8 min read

Coffee Mate’s Most-Requested Creamer Is Coming Back

  • June 23, 2026
  • 3 min read

The Art of the Cheese Board: What

  • June 23, 2026
  • 10 min read

Spinach and Corn Tacos with Guacamole

  • June 23, 2026
  • 10 min read

Jalapeño Peach Chicken Skewers

  • June 23, 2026
  • 9 min read

The Bread Baker’s Year: What Happens When

  • June 22, 2026
  • 11 min read

Rum Soaked Fried Pineapple

  • June 22, 2026
  • 11 min read

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

  • June 22, 2026
  • 8 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

The Stories Behind the World’s Most Iconic Dishes

Many of the world’s most iconic dishes reflect traditional food practices that have significant nutritional advantages independently identified by modern nutritional research. The pasta and legume combinations of the Italian poor kitchen provide complete protein from plant sources. The nixtamalization process that makes corn tortillas possible increases niacin bioavailability by several hundred percent compared to untreated corn — which is why populations that ate untreated corn as a dietary staple developed pellagra while those who nixtamalized did not. The food wisdom embedded in iconic traditional dishes often reflects centuries of empirical nutritional understanding expressed through culinary practice.

Read More »
Appetizers
Benjamin Brown

Portobello Mushrooms with Wine and Thyme

Portobello mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, selenium, and potassium while providing meaty satisfaction with very few calories—they’re also one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D when exposed to sunlight during growing.

Read More »
Entrees
Amelia Grace

Pizza Grilled Cheese

Making grilled cheese at home gives you complete control over ingredients—you can use whole grain bread for added fiber, reduce the butter with a light spray of olive oil, and choose a lower-sodium pizza sauce without sacrificing any of the comfort. A homemade version is always a smarter option than a fast food or frozen alternative.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content