More

    Healthy Bacon & Pumpkin Pasta

    Bacon and pumpkin pasta with creamy pumpkin sauce, whole wheat pasta shells, and crumbled bacon in a white bowl with a spoon and a fork.

    What did you do this weekend?

    I took advantage of the opportunity to eat blissful creamy bacon and pumpkin pasta and snuggle with a pug.

    Yes, I said snuggle with a pug.  I was snug as a bug in a rug with a pug.  And a mug.

    Gahhhh.

    Pug laying on a couch.

    That sweet wrinkly face gives me a tingly nose and shivers.  Sheeeee’s sooooo cuuuuute!  I might absolutely do have a puppy crush on her.

    And you probably already know that I have a hungry girl crush on this pumpkin pasta.

    Bacon and pumpkin pasta with a creamy pumpkin sauce, whole wheat pasta shells, and crumbled bacon.

    Yeah, I know what you’re thinking.

    Pumpkin in pasta.  Um, questionable.

    Long story short, we need to stop judging our favorite fall vegetable.  fruit?  …ingredient.  How did pumpkin get stereotyped as an exclusively sweet ingredient?  It’s so versatile and healthy. And healthy is a good thing this week.  Cause come Turkey Thursday, you know what’s goin down.  Seconds, thirds, and multiple desserts with whipped cream are what’s goin down.   JOY.

    If you liked this butternut squash mac and cheese with caramelized onions, apples, and bacon (which is pretty much impossible not to like), then this pasta is going to rock.your.socks.off.  And it might rock some pounds off, too?  That’s a fool-proof diet plan, if you ask me.  I love when eating a huge bowl of pasta makes your jeggings fit better.

    Speaking of jeggings, I’ve been majorly over-wearing them because of their comfy wonderfulness.  Help?

    Bacon and pumpkin pasta with a creamy pumpkin sauce, whole wheat pasta shells, and crumbled bacon in a bowl with a spoon.

    Print

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    A picture of <span class="fn">Healthy Bacon & Pumpkin Pasta

    Healthy Bacon & Pumpkin Pasta


    Description

    This healthy bacon and pumpkin pasta is made with a creamy pumpkin sauce, whole wheat pasta shells, and crumbled bacon. 300 calories per serving.


    Ingredients


    Scale

    • 2 cups dry whole grain shells
    • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
    • 1 ounce light cream cheese
    • 1/4 cup fat free evaporated milk
    • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • freshly ground pepper to taste
    • 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
    • 1/4 cup sliced scallions or green onions


    Instructions

    1. Cook pasta according to directions. Drain and return to pan. Reduce heat to low.
    2. Add pumpkin through salt and pepper and stir until cream cheese is melted and mixture is warmed through.
    3. Divide between two bowls and top with crumbled bacon and green onions.

    Notes

    I’ve also made this with caramelized onions for a little sweeter, more buttery flavor.

    • Prep Time: 5 mins
    • Cook Time: 30 mins
    • Category: Dinner
    • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

    Keywords: healthy bacon pumpkin pasta, pumpkin pasta, bacon pasta



    Recipe Card powered by Tasty Recipes logo

    Have you tried pumpkin in savory dishes?

    And btw, who wants to see more snogglishly cute pug pictures?  I’m trying not to overwhelm you with cuteness all at once, but there’s definitely more where that came from.  Get ready.

    Related Posts

    Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa

    Bang Bang Salmon! Creamy, sweet, savory, and punchy. Served with some steamy rice and an avocado cucumber salsa. Weeknight perfection!

    Scallion Pancake with Eggs

    A frozen scallion pancake, loaded with eggs, spinach, avocado and chili crisp! A five minute meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

    Homemade Alfredo Sauce

    Creamy, silky, homemade Alfredo sauce! Perfectly smooth, wonderfully garlicky, and paired with twirly pasta.

    Sticky Gochujang Tofu with Herbs and Peanuts

    Crispy golden tofu bathed in a 5-ingredient peanut gochujang sauce that is spicy, sweet, tangy, and so delicious.

    Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce

    Just 20 minutes to get these chicken tacos on the table! Juicy, flavorful, and absolutely mindless in the best way.

    Garlic and Black Pepper Beef Skewers

    These beef skewers are bringing all the flavor! Thinly sliced strips of steak browned and caramelized to juicy, sweet perfection.

    Chicken with Coconut Kale

    Golden, juicy, thinly sliced pan-fried chicken swims in a creamy coconut-kale gravy-like situation with slips of shallot and a bit of heat. Super easy, minimal ingredients!

    Ricotta Meatballs with the Crispy Topping

    These Ricotta Meatballs are an easy and delicious family favorite! Tender, juicy homemade meatballs with a jar of good marinara and a crispy topping to finish it all off. YUM!