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Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with Crispy Bacon

Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta - featured image
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A quick, 15-minute weeknight dinner featuring a velvety sauce made from pumpkin puree, parmesan, and crispy bacon. This lighter alternative to traditional Alfredo is rich, savory, and perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340g) penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni
  • 1 cup (240g) plain pumpkin puree
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt to taste
  • Reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook bacon slices for 4-5 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside on a paper towel, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the bacon fat and melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and pumpkin puree. Whisk vigorously to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
  4. Stir in grated parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. While the sauce simmers, boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Remove from heat, crumble the crispy bacon over the top, and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure you use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid excessive sweetness. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use turkey bacon or omit it. Do not freeze this dish as the texture may change upon thawing. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin pasta, alfredo sauce, crispy bacon, quick dinner, weeknight meals, comfort food, pumpkin alfredo, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/creamy-pumpkin-alfredo-pasta-with-crispy-bacon-15-min-easy-dinner/