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Idaho Pumpkin + Bacon Carbonara

By Dawn Larzelier
  • Prep: 25 min
  • Cook: 30 min
  • Serves: 4 - 6

Celebrate fall with this comforting pasta dish, made the traditional way—no cream needed! Large, tender chunks of fresh Idaho pumpkin mingle with crispy bacon and a luscious, cheesy carbonara sauce. Every bite is bursting with flavor, color, and texture, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, festive fall gatherings, or simply showcasing the best of local Idaho ingredients.

  • Use sweet, firm Idaho pumpkin varieties like sugar or pie pumpkins for the best flavor, or substitue butternut squash.
  • Steam pumpkin chunks to maintain shape for a visually appealing presentation.
  • Toss gently to avoid breaking the pumpkin pieces.
  • Serve with a crisp Idaho hard cider or Idaho white wine.

Categorized: Entrées

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh Idaho pumpkin, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch chunks

  • 2 Idaho eggs, room temperature

  • 3 Idaho egg yolks, room temperature

  • 1 cup grated Idaho Parmesan cheese, divided

  • ¾ cup grated Idaho Pecorino Romano

  • ¾ tsp kosher salt

  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

  • 6–8 slices thick-cut Idaho bacon, cut into pieces

  • 1 lb spaghetti

Featured Idaho Produce

Steps

  • Cook the Pumpkin: Steam or simmer pumpkin chunks until tender but still holding shape, about 8–10 minutes. Drain well.

  • Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, ½ cup Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

  • Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, reserving the bacon fat.

  • Cook the Pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

  • Combine Pasta, Pumpkin, and Sauce: Whisk ¼ cup hot pasta water into egg-cheese mixture to temper. Return pasta to the pot, add pumpkin chunks, and pour in the egg mixture. Toss gently with tongs, adding reserved pasta water as needed until crea

  • Finish and Serve: Stir in 2 Tbsp reserved bacon fat. Adjust seasoning. Top with crispy bacon, remaining ½ cup Parmesan, and parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

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