When I visited the Barilla Culinary Center in Parma, the chef showed me how he makes this pasta dish from the region. I was surprised to see that he used smoked bacon, which isn’t common in Italy, but the salty touch was just right with the sweet squash.

Savor the flavors of autumn with Penne with Butternut Squash and Bacon, a delightful pasta dish that brings together the natural sweetness of butternut squash and the savory richness of bacon. This recipe is a celebration of contrasting yet complementary flavors, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

Imagine a kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of sizzling bacon, its smoky fragrance infusing the air. As the bacon crisps to perfection, finely chopped red onions and aromatic rosemary join the skillet, releasing their flavors and adding depth to the dish. With the addition of garlic, the kitchen becomes a symphony of enticing scents that hint at the delicious meal to come.

Enter the star of the show: butternut squash. Diced and cooked until tender, the squash adds a creamy and slightly sweet element to the dish. As it caramelizes, it creates a luscious sauce that coats the penne pasta, ensuring every bite is filled with a harmonious blend of flavors.

The Penne with Butternut Squash and Bacon recipe is a perfect balance of ingredients that celebrate the bounty of the season. The rich and smoky bacon beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the butternut squash, creating a tantalizing flavor combination that will leave you craving more. Topped with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, the dish gains a touch of salty and nutty goodness that enhances the overall taste experience.

Whether you’re looking to indulge in a cozy weeknight dinner or impress guests with a flavorful autumn-inspired dish, Penne with Butternut Squash and Bacon is a delicious choice. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the comforting textures of the pasta, creates a truly satisfying meal that embodies the essence of fall.

So, let your taste buds be captivated by this delectable pasta creation. Let the flavors of Penne with Butternut Squash and Bacon transport you to a culinary realm where sweet and savory unite in perfect harmony.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ounces thick-sliced bacon, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 3 cups diced peeled butternut squash
• ¼ cup water
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 8 ounces penne
• ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a skillet large enough to hold all the ingredients, cook the bacon in the olive oil over medium heat until lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and rosemary to the skillet. Cook for 8 minutes, or until the onion is tender.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the squash, water, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well, cover the pan, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the squash is tender and starting to brown. If it begins to stick, add another tablespoon or two of water. Mash some of the squash with the back of a spoon until creamy.
5. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, stir well, and cook, stirring often, until al dente. Reserve some of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the squash mixture. Add a little of the reserved cooking water and stir well. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute to coat the pasta.
7. Stir in the grated cheese.
8. Serve immediately.