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 Secret to Restaurant-Quality Soup Is What

  • April 8, 2026
  • 6 min read

Cowboy Stir Fry

  • April 8, 2026
  • 9 min read

Dairy Queen Is Turning Your Childhood Cereal

  • April 7, 2026
  • 3 min read

Shredded Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sour Cream

  • April 7, 2026
  • 9 min read

The Real Reason Your Homemade Pizza Can’t

  • April 7, 2026
  • 5 min read

Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad

  • April 7, 2026
  • 9 min read

Creamy Italian Pot Roast

  • April 6, 2026
  • 9 min read

Spinach Artichoke Crostini

  • April 6, 2026
  • 11 min read

Why Your Roast Chicken Never Tastes Like

  • April 6, 2026
  • 5 min read

Pineapple Heaven Cake

  • April 5, 2026
  • 16 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
Daily Disher

Cowboy Stir Fry

Black beans are one of the most nutritionally impressive ingredients in this dish, delivering plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and folate that support heart health, digestive function, and sustained energy. Combined with lean beef sirloin and a colorful array of vegetables, this stir fry offers a genuinely well-rounded macro and micronutrient profile that makes it as nourishing as it is delicious.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

Dairy Queen Is Turning Your Childhood Cereal Into a Dessert — And It Drops April 27

Cereal-inspired desserts like these are a fun occasional treat, but they can pack a significant amount of sugar — especially when real cereal is blended into ice cream or soft serve. If you’re indulging, opting for a smaller size or sharing with someone is an easy way to enjoy the experience without going overboard. Balancing a sweet treat with a protein-rich meal earlier in the day can also help keep blood sugar levels more stable throughout the evening.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content