Creamy Bacon And Butternut Squash Pasta Recipes

CREAMY BACON AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH PASTA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F. Spray large rimmed pan with cooking spray.
• In large bowl, toss squash, oil, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Spread in pan; roast 25 to 35 minutes, stirring once, until tender and golden brown.
• Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Drain on paper towels; set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet. Add onion, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Increase heat to medium-high; cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium; cook 15 to 20 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown.
• Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
• Add broth and cream to onions in skillet. Increase heat to medium-high; heat to boiling. Continue to cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly thickened. Stir in reserved bacon, roasted squash, cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until hot. Transfer to serving dishes; garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PASTA WITH BACON AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Set a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 375 degrees.
• Add the butternut squash to a large baking sheet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the top and season with red-pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Toss to combine, then spread the squash into an even layer and bake for 15 minutes.
• While the butternut squash bakes, in a small bowl, toss the red onion with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• After the squash has cooked for 15 minutes, give it a stir and push it to one side of the baking sheet to make room for the onion and bacon, trying to keep the squash in one layer. Add the red onion to the pan, then lay the strips of bacon in a single layer next to the onion.
• Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 30 minutes and cook, stirring the squash and onion after about 15 minute. The bacon should be crisp and the vegetables cooked through and beginning to caramelize at the edges. (They don't have to be super golden brown, but a little color is nice.)
• Just before the vegetables and bacon are done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot to keep warm if necessary.
• When the vegetables are tender and the bacon crispy, take the baking sheet out of the oven and carefully transfer the bacon to a cutting board. Coarsely chop the bacon.
• Add the butternut squash, onions and any bacon fat to the pot with the pasta. Add about 1/2 cup Parmesan and 1/2 cup pasta water to the pot and stir everything until well combined. You want the squash to break down a bit and coat the pasta; add more pasta water as necessary to coat the pasta with the squash and cheese.
• Stir in half the chopped bacon, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the pasta among bowls or plates. Top with chives, parsley, black pepper and the remaining Parmesan and bacon. Serve immediately.