Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with this creamy Pumpkin Carbonara. A delightful twist on the classic, this dish combines the richness of pumpkin puree with the savory taste of Parmesan and crispy bacon, making it perfect for cool evenings.

The creamy sauce effortlessly coats every strand of spaghetti, bringing together the sweet earthiness of pumpkin and the umami depth of freshly grated Parmesan. A touch of black pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the dish beautifully.

Ready in just a few steps, this recipe delivers comfort with every bite, offering a warm and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Pumpkin Carbonara: Ingredients Spotlight

Pumpkin Puree: This autumnal star infuses the dish with a subtle sweetness and velvety texture, transforming the classic carbonara into a creamy, seasonal delight.

Freshly Grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty depth, bringing rich umami flavor that complements the pumpkin’s sweetness and creates a balanced, savory sauce.

Egg Yolks: Essential for creating a silky, luxurious sauce that binds the ingredients together, giving the carbonara its signature creamy consistency.

Thick-Cut Bacon: Crispy and savory, it adds a smoky contrast, balancing the richness of the sauce while adding satisfying bites of flavor throughout.

Spaghetti or Bucatini: The perfect pasta to soak up the creamy sauce, each strand is coated with the pumpkin-Parmesan mixture, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.

Recipe Tips

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency: To create a smooth and creamy sauce, make sure to gradually add the reserved pasta water to the pumpkin mixture. Start with ¾ cup, whisking it into the mixture to thin it out before adding it to the pasta. If the sauce appears too thick, add more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. The starches in the pasta water help bind the sauce, ensuring it clings to each strand for a luscious, velvety finish.
Preventing Scrambled Eggs: When mixing the pumpkin and egg yolk mixture with the hot pasta, it’s essential to remove the skillet from the heat. The residual heat from the pasta and bacon grease is enough to cook the egg yolks gently, creating a creamy texture without scrambling them. Adding the mixture while the skillet is off the heat allows for better control and helps avoid curdling.
Getting Crispy Bacon Every Time: For perfectly crispy bacon, cook it over medium-low heat, allowing the fat to render slowly. This method ensures each piece becomes evenly golden and crunchy without burning. After removing the bacon from the skillet, let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease. This step keeps the bacon crispy when mixed into the pasta, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Carbonara

Garlic-Roasted Vegetables: Complement the rich, creamy Pumpkin Carbonara with a side of garlic-roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus. The caramelized edges and earthy flavors of the veggies balance the sweetness of the pumpkin while adding a satisfying crunch.
Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: A bright, peppery arugula salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the carbonara. The tangy dressing cuts through the creamy sauce, while the crisp greens add a refreshing bite that pairs perfectly with the pasta.
Warm Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every bit of the creamy pumpkin sauce left on your plate. The chewy texture of the bread makes for an ideal accompaniment, allowing you to enjoy every drop of the savory, comforting flavors of the dish.

FAQ

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure it’s 100% pumpkin without added spices or sweeteners. It provides the same creamy texture and earthy flavor as homemade pumpkin puree, making it a convenient option.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon. To retain a smoky, umami flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or substituting with sautéed mushrooms. These alternatives will provide a rich depth of flavor to the sauce.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti or bucatini are ideal choices for Pumpkin Carbonara as they hold the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use any long pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine or linguine. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Pumpkin Carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and gently warm it over low heat to avoid scrambling the egg-based sauce.

Pumpkin Carbonara

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Pasta, spaghetti

Cuisine American

Servings 7

Ingredients

1 lb. spaghetti or bucatini
6 slices thick-cut bacon cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup pumpkin puree
3 large egg yolks
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan plus extra for garnish
Freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, freshly grated Parmesan, and egg yolks. Whisk together until smooth, seasoning with a few turns of black pepper for added flavor.
Step 2
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil, seasoning generously with kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook until it reaches an al dente texture, following the package instructions. Set aside about 1 ½ cups of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Step 3
In a large skillet, heat over medium-low and cook the bacon pieces until they turn golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, allowing any excess grease to drain. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 4
Return the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the reserved bacon grease until evenly coated. Reheat the skillet over low if necessary to warm the grease, then remove it from the heat. In a separate bowl, thin out the pumpkin mixture with ¾ cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring until smooth. Pour the mixture over the pasta, tossing to blend. Add more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to adjust the sauce’s thickness and achieve a creamy texture. Incorporate the crispy bacon pieces.
Step 5
To serve, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper over the pasta for a finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Keyword Pumpkin Carbonara

Pumpkin Carbonara recipe