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 Summer Cookbook You Never Bought

  • July 12, 2026
  • 11 min read

Sesame Ginger Edamame Bites

  • July 12, 2026
  • 15 min read

Smoky Chipotle Black Bean & Farro Bowls

  • July 12, 2026
  • 15 min read

Golden Milk Baked Oat & Almond Cups

  • July 12, 2026
  • 15 min read

Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups

  • July 12, 2026
  • 17 min read

Ranch Slow Cooker Pork Chops

  • July 12, 2026
  • 9 min read

Krispy Kreme Just Turned Girl Scout Cookies

  • July 11, 2026
  • 3 min read

Huevos Rancheros

  • July 11, 2026
  • 12 min read

The Secret Life of a Farmers Market

  • July 11, 2026
  • 11 min read

How to Build a Week of Weeknight

  • July 11, 2026
  • 3 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 Summer Cookbook You Never Bought

Preserving summer produce through techniques like freezing, making jam, and roasting in olive oil extends the availability of nutritionally dense peak-season ingredients well beyond their natural season — allowing the cook to access the higher vitamin and antioxidant content of in-season produce throughout the year. Berries frozen at peak ripeness retain most of their antioxidant content for up to a year, research shows, making the simple act of spreading fresh berries on a sheet pan and freezing them one of the most nutritionally efficient food preservation techniques available to any home cook.

Read More »
Asian
Amelia Grace

Sesame Ginger Edamame Bites

Edamame is one of the most complete plant-based protein sources available—delivering all nine essential amino acids in a single ingredient alongside significant fiber, folate, and isoflavones linked to cardiovascular health. At nearly as much protein per serving as a hard-boiled egg, it’s one of the hardest-working ingredients in any snack rotation.

Read More »
Entrees
Benjamin Brown

Smoky Chipotle Black Bean & Farro Bowls

Farro and black beans together form one of the most nutritionally complete plant-based meal combinations available—the beans contribute lysine-rich protein that farro lacks, while the farro provides methionine-rich protein that beans lack, creating a complete amino acid profile equivalent to animal protein when eaten in the same meal. This is whole-food complementary protein done exactly right.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content