Smoky Bacon and Butternut Squash Pasta

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Brussels sprouts, squash and bacon are a winning trio in this recipe for smoky bacon and butternut squash pasta. Photo By Povy Kendal Atchison

Smoky Bacon and Butternut Squash Pasta

Smoky bacon, creamy butternut squash and tangy goat cheese melt into a nutrient-rich pasta comfort dish.

Water
3 tablespoons table salt, divided
8 ounces Brussels sprouts, cut in half lengthwise
2 thick slices smoked bacon, cut into ?-inch strips
1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon garlic, finely diced
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, divided
3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup vegetable or chicken stock
10 ounces campanelle or penne pasta
1/2 cup fresh goat cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs, toasted

1. Bring a large pot of water and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil. Cook Brussels sprouts until fork-tender. Cool in an ice-water bath. Strain and set aside.

2. In a large sauté pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving grease. Add onion, garlic and half of the butter to grease, and sauté until onions are clear. Add squash and cook until slightly tender, about 5 minutes. Toss in sprouts, pepper flakes and bacon. Add stock. Simmer over medium.

3. While stock is reducing, add pasta and 1 tablespoon salt to boiling water. Stir occasionally until pasta is al dente (about 8 minutes).

4. When pasta is cooked, add cheese and remaining butter to squash mixture, stirring until dissolved.

5. Toss pasta with vegetable mixture in a large bowl. Garnish with bread crumbs. Serves 8 

For more squash recipes, read the original article, "Winter Squash Recipes."