Pumpkin Carbonara Recipe
This Pumpkin Carbonara Recipe is a comforting and creamy twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, combining sweet pumpkin purée with smoky pancetta, egg yolks, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, velvety sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that delivers a unique seasonal flavor without any fuss.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 200g spaghetti
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 3 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Flavorings and Seasoning
- 100g pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, finely dice the pancetta and mince the garlic. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous pinch of black pepper to make the sauce mixture.
- Cook the Pancetta and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until it is crispy and golden brown, releasing a smoky aroma. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Warm the Pumpkin Purée: Reduce the heat to low and stir the pumpkin purée into the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Heat gently to combine the flavors and create the base of the creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce Off Heat: Drain the spaghetti, reserving about a cup of the pasta water. Off the heat, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss quickly to blend. Pour in the egg yolk and Parmesan mixture, stirring briskly to coat the noodles without scrambling the eggs. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a silky smooth consistency.
- Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Plate the Pumpkin Carbonara immediately to enjoy its creamy texture at its freshest.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure a smooth, clump-free sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to help create a luscious sauce texture.
- Mix the egg mixture with pasta off the heat to avoid scrambling.
- Choose high-quality pancetta or bacon for richer smoky flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture and freshness in the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Carbonara, Pumpkin Pasta, Creamy Carbonara, Easy Dinner, Fall Recipe, Comfort Food