Craving a cozy, creamy pasta dish that warms you from the inside out?

Picture this: pasta coated in a rich, velvety pumpkin sauce, crunchy bits of bacon, and sweet caramelized onions bringing all the flavors to life. Pumpkin, Bacon & Caramelized Onion Pasta is the perfect fall dish that’s not just quick to whip up, but also a comforting delight! Its creamy goodness will make you want to cozy up with a bowl on a chilly evening. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Why make this recipe

What’s not to love about this dish? Here’s why it deserves a spot on your dinner table:

Easy Cleanup: One pan means less time washing up and more time enjoying your meal — score!
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank here. This is a wallet-friendly meal packed with seasonal flavors.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will gobble this up. Who wouldn’t love pasta with bacon?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
1 cup pumpkin puree
4 strips bacon, chopped
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Let’s get cooking, shall we? Here’s how to bring this dish to life:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In the same skillet, add sliced onions and sauté until caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the cooked pasta and bacon to the skillet, tossing to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve warm, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

How to make Pumpkin, Bacon & Caramelized Onion Pasta (Overview)

Start by cooking your pasta — you’ll want it al dente for that perfect bite. While it’s bubbling away, fry up your bacon until it’s delightfully crispy (seriously, make this part count!). Then it’s time to caramelize those onions; take your time here, as patience equals flavor. After adding in that luscious pumpkin puree and a splash of cream, your sauce will come together in a creamy dream. Finally, toss in your pasta and bacon, and heaven awaits!

Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic. It adds that extra pop, and who doesn’t love garlic? 🧄

How to serve Pumpkin, Bacon & Caramelized Onion Pasta

Imagine digging into a bowl of this pasta — the vibrant orange sauce contrasts beautifully against the crispy bacon bits, while the fresh green parsley adds a pop of color. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top? Cue the aromatics! Serve it up with a side of crusty bread for a delightful crunch, and you’ve got a dish that feels both special and comforting.

How to store Pumpkin, Bacon & Caramelized Onion Pasta

Got leftovers? No worries! You can store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to revive that creamy goodness. If you want to make it ahead, you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately and combine them when you’re ready to eat.

Tips to make Pumpkin, Bacon & Caramelized Onion Pasta

Timing is everything. Let the onions caramelize well for that deep flavor profile.
Want it lighter? Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a non-dairy milk.
Add a kick. Spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes for that hidden heat.
A dash of zing? A splash of lemon juice can brighten up the dish.
Use leftovers wisely. If you’re tackling Thanksgiving leftovers, add in turkey for a seasonal twist!

Variation

Feeling adventurous? You can easily switch things up by adding spinach for extra greens or making it vegan with coconut cream instead of heavy cream and using tempeh instead of bacon. The possibilities are endless, so get creative! 🎃

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin in this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves you from cooking the pumpkin yourself. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

Can I freeze Pumpkin, Bacon & Caramelized Onion Pasta?
Yes, but for the best taste, freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw and combine!

What kind of pasta can I use?
You can use any pasta you like! Fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free options work great here.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and the pasta separately ahead of time, then combine them just before serving. It saves time and makes for a simple, cozy dinner!

Is it necessary to add the garlic?
While it adds great flavor, if you’re not a fan of garlic, you can skip it. But honestly? You might want to reconsider! 😉

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!