Penne with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce, Rosemary Bacon

Penne with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce, Rosemary Bacon

A cozy, fall-inspired pasta dish featuring tender penne tossed in a velvety pumpkin and cream sauce infused with rosemary, garlic, and a hint of spice. Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch, while Parmesan ties everything together for a rich, comforting meal perfect for cool evenings.

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  • Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
    • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary, plus more for garnish
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
    • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
    • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
    • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
    • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    • 1 box (12 oz) Carbe Diem!™ Penne
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
    • 1 teaspoon ground pepper, plus more as needed
  • Steps

    1. Place olive oil and bacon in a large skillet. Heat over medium-high, and cook until crispy and fat is rendered, about 10 to 15 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
    2. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from skillet. Return skillet to medium heat and add onion. Cook until softened and starting to brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic, rosemary, nutmeg and cayenne, and cook for 1 minute. Add pumpkin, broth and cream to skillet, and decrease heat to low. Cook until very creamy and flavors have melded, about 15 minutes.
    3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne to pot and cook until al dente, 12 to 14 minutes. Drain.
    4. Add cavatappi to skillet with sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for 1 minute until pasta is well coated.
    5. Divide pasta between bowls and serve with bacon and fresh chopped rosemary on top.

1 Serving Calories 400 (Calories from Fat 140); Total Fat 15g (Saturated Fat 7g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 35mg; Sodium 870mg; Total Carbohydrate 49g (Dietary Fiber 26g, Sugars 4g); Protein 15g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 230%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 15%; Iron 10%;