Pumpkin Bacon Pasta Sauce

Indulge in the cozy, comforting flavors of autumn with this Pumpkin Bacon Pasta Sauce—a creamy, savory twist on classic pasta dishes. Combining the rich sweetness of pumpkin puree with the smoky crunch of perfectly crisp bacon, this recipe delivers an irresistible balance of flavors. Enhanced with a luxurious blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic, this sauce is elevated by a hint of nutmeg and optional fresh sage for a fragrant finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or seasonal gatherings, this easy-to-make sauce comes together in just 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta. Garnish with extra bacon crumbles and Parmesan for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Pasta of choice
• 6 slices Bacon
• 1 cup Pumpkin puree
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup Chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 0.25 tsp Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Fresh sage, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, remove excess bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté over medium-low heat for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Add the pumpkin puree to the skillet and stir well. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine into a smooth consistency.

Step 5

Lower the heat and slowly mix in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 6

Season the sauce with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Add the pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Stir in the crumbled bacon, leaving a small amount aside for garnish if desired.

Step 9

Serve the pasta warm, and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped fresh sage, if using.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(938.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1519.2

Total Fat 93.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.2g
Cholesterol 212.4mg	0%
Sodium 3037.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 109.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.3g	0%
Total Sugars 10.9g
Protein 54.2g	0%

Vitamin D 7.7IU	0%
Calcium 567.0mg	0%
Iron 7.5mg	0%
Potassium 954.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.4%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 29.1%