Hey y'all! Looking for an effortlessly delicious meal that wows the whole family? This pumpkin, broccoli and bacon pasta recipe is creamy, savory, and brimming with fall flavors—making it perfect for cozy weeknights, festive gatherings, or whenever you crave a satisfying, hearty dinner. With a velvety pumpkin sauce, vibrant green broccoli, and crispy bacon, every bite is pure comfort. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Pumpkin, Broccoli and Bacon Pasta
- Creamy and flavorful sauce blends sweet pumpkin and salty bacon in every forkful.
- Packed with veggies for extra nutrition, color, and crunch.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 35 minutes!
- Perfect for weeknight meals or impressive dinner parties.
- Easy to customize to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 4 cups (400g) peeled and diced pumpkin (about 1 small pumpkin)
- 2 cups (150g) broccoli florets
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (125ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (typically 10-12 minutes).
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pumpkin and Broccoli
- While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced pumpkin and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring, until pumpkin begins to soften.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Crisp the Bacon
- In the same skillet, add bacon pieces and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Discard all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat from the pan.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Pumpkin Sauce
- Add diced onion and a drizzle of olive oil to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, and nutmeg; cook for 1 minute.
- Add softened pumpkin and broccoli back to the pan. Pour in heavy cream and broth, then simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.
- With an immersion blender, blend the sauce partially (leave some pumpkin chunks for texture), or mash with a fork for a rustic texture.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Add the drained pasta and crispy bacon to the sauce. Toss well to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky consistency.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, season with salt and black pepper, and serve immediately with extra parmesan on top.
Recipe Notes
- If using pre-cooked or canned pumpkin, reduce sautéing time to 2-3 minutes and adjust broth amount.
- Don't overcook the broccoli—keep it bright and slightly crisp for the best texture!
- Save some pasta water; it helps emulsify the sauce for extra creaminess.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit bacon and add toasted pine nuts or smoked paprika for a savory twist.
- Vegan: Use coconut cream, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese. Skip bacon, using smoky tofu instead.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced chili along with the garlic for a spicy kick.
Required Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Immersion blender or fork (for mashing sauce)
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pumpkin, broccoli and bacon pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of milk or broth, stirring until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
- Pair with garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up the luscious sauce.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of dry white wine or sparkling apple cider.
Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin, Broccoli and Bacon Pasta
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest, richest flavor—and add extra on top for a perfect finish.
- Don’t rush the sautéing; allowing the pumpkin to caramelize creates deeper, sweeter flavors.
- Reserve some bacon and parmesan as a topping for irresistible texture and taste in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?
- Yes! Substitute equal amounts of canned pumpkin purée—but skip the initial sautéing and add it directly to the sauce.
- What type of pasta works best?
- Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, but any short pasta shape works well.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- For best texture, enjoy fresh; however, you can make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and toss with freshly cooked pasta and bacon before serving.
Prep & Cooking Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 300 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 200 g pumpkin, peeled and diced
- 150 g broccoli florets
- 100 g bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 120 ml cream
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Toss the diced pumpkin with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 20 minutes until tender.
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2Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
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3While the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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4Add the roasted pumpkin, cooked pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Pour in the cream and toss everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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5Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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