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 Frozen Foods Your Air Fryer Was

  • April 18, 2026
  • 3 min read

Herb and Cheese Scones

  • April 18, 2026
  • 11 min read

The Resting Rules Every Home Baker Breaks

  • April 18, 2026
  • 7 min read

Easy Pineapple Pork Chops

  • April 18, 2026
  • 10 min read

The Costco Dip That People Panicked Over

  • April 17, 2026
  • 4 min read

How Chefs Use Salt Differently Than Everyone

  • April 17, 2026
  • 7 min read

Shrimp Creole

  • April 17, 2026
  • 10 min read

Today Is the Day: Krispy Kreme’s Strawberry

  • April 16, 2026
  • 3 min read

Cherry Blossom Spritz

  • April 16, 2026
  • 10 min read

The Knife Habits That Separate Home Cooks

  • April 16, 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

The Frozen Foods Your Air Fryer Was Born to Cook

The air fryer isn’t just a crispiness hack — it’s also a meaningful way to cut down on added fat. Most of these frozen foods come pre-oiled, which means they don’t need anything extra to get great results. Compare that to deep frying, which can add hundreds of calories per serving in absorbed oil alone. If you’re buying frozen, look for options with shorter ingredient lists and less sodium — the air fryer will do the rest without needing the extra stuff to compensate.

Read More »
Other
Benjamin Brown

Herb and Cheese Scones

Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants that support immune health—making these indulgent scones surprisingly nutrient-rich.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

The Resting Rules Every Home Baker Breaks

Allowing bread to cool completely before slicing isn’t just a texture decision — it also affects how the body processes it. Fully cooled bread has a higher proportion of resistant starch than bread eaten warm, which slows digestion, lowers the glycemic response, and feeds beneficial gut bacteria. The same loaf, eaten at different temperatures, has a meaningfully different effect on blood sugar.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content