Pumpkin Carbonara
This Pumpkin Carbonara is one dish that will have your family begging for seconds! It’s a twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, with pumpkin puree adding a creamy and flavorful touch.
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This creamy pasta dish is perfect for fall when you are craving comfort food and looking for an easy dinner option. The combination of pumpkin and nutmeg gives this dish a warm, earthy flavor while the creamy sauce adds a touch of rich flavor.
Do you love pumpkin recipes in the fall? If so, you may also enjoy these Pumpkin Blossom Cookies.
Ingredients
This is a quick overview of the ingredients that you will need to make this recipe. You can find the full list in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- spaghetti noodles
- bacon
- pumpkin puree
- large eggs
- grated Parmesan cheese
- heavy cream
- fresh garlic cloves
- nutmeg
- salt and black pepper
- fresh parsley
Instructions
This is a quick overview of the instructions to make this recipe. You can find the full steps in the recipe card.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet brown the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, parmesan cheese, heavy cream, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
Toss the spaghetti in the bacon grease, then add the pumpkin sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a little bit at a time until you get the consistency desired. Add in the cooked bacon.
Hint: Slowly add the water to the pasta sauce so that you don’t get a watery sauce.
Storage
Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheating – The best way to reheat this pasta is in a skillet over medium heat, string often. Add some water if the sauce is too thick. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Wendy’s Test Kitchen Tips
- I cooked the pasta until it is al dente, if you prefer your pasta cooked more, then feel free to do so.
- Don’t drain the bacon fat, as this will give your pasta extra flavor.
- You can also use any type of pasta shape that you have on hand.
What To Serve With Pumpkin Carbonara
We always like to serve a heavy pasta dish like this one with a fresh green side dish like a side salad or Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts. You can also never go wrong with some crusty bread like this Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread or a slice of garlic bread.
FAQs
The main difference between the two is that Carbonara uses eggs, and Alfredo does not.
Related
Looking for more pumpkin recipes like this? Try these:
Pumpkin Carbonara
Equipment
- large pot
- large skillet
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 6 ounces bacon diced
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Return the skillet with the bacon fat to medium heat.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the fat.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour the pumpkin mixture into the pasta, tossing continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in the cooked bacon. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
