One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Bacon Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Pumpkin Bacon Pasta is the ultimate fall comfort food that comes together in one pot (yes, just ONE pot!) in about 40 minutes. The combination of savory bacon, warm pumpkin, and fresh herbs creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every twist of pasta. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as all ingredients meld together.
• Fall Flavors: The pumpkin sauce creates a beautiful autumn-inspired dish that’s cozy without being overly sweet or heavy.
• Balanced Meal: With protein from chicken, greens from spinach, and comforting pasta, this dish offers a complete meal in every bowl.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Despite its complex flavors, this dish is remarkably easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Chicken: Provides lean protein and a neutral base that absorbs all the wonderful flavors in the dish.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, salty depth that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin. The rendered bacon fat also becomes the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
• Riccioli Pasta: These spiral-shaped noodles are perfect for catching and holding the creamy sauce in every bite. Their texture stands up well to the one-pot cooking method.
• Pumpkin Pasta Sauce: The star ingredient that brings seasonal flavor without requiring you to prepare fresh pumpkin. Look for a quality brand like Cucina Antica for the best flavor.
• Shallot & Garlic: These aromatics create the essential flavor base. Shallots offer a milder, sweeter alternative to onions that works beautifully with pumpkin.
• Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh element, beautiful color contrast, and nutrition boost. It wilts perfectly into the hot pasta at the end.
• Fresh Sage: This herb was made for pumpkin dishes – its earthy, slightly minty flavor elevates everything it touches.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the cooking liquid for the pasta while adding depth of flavor. Using low-sodium allows you to control the salt level.
• Fat-Free Half & Half: Creates creaminess without excessive heaviness. The protein in the half & half helps stabilize the sauce.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and complexity. As it reduces, it leaves behind concentrated flavor without the alcohol.
• Parmesan/Fontina Blend: These cheeses melt beautifully into the sauce, adding richness, saltiness, and that irresistible umami quality.
• Red Pepper Flakes & Nutmeg: The heat from pepper flakes balances the sweetness, while nutmeg is the secret spice that makes pumpkin sing.

Variations

Make It Vegetarian

Skip the chicken and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead. Add sautéed mushrooms for meaty texture and depth of flavor.

Seafood Twist

Replace chicken with shrimp added in the last few minutes of cooking, or fold in some lump crab meat at the end for an elegant variation.

Extra Veggie Boost

Add diced butternut squash, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the chicken for additional nutrients and texture.

Dairy-Free Option

Use coconut cream instead of half & half and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The subtle coconut flavor pairs surprisingly well with pumpkin.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Bacon Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the flavorful fat in the pot.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add minced garlic, diced shallot, and chopped sage to the hot bacon fat. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add ground chicken, season with salt and pepper, and break it apart with a wooden spoon while it cooks through, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute, then add chicken broth, half & half, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, and pumpkin sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the dry pasta directly to the pot and stir until all pieces are submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer. Cook for 9-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente. The pasta will continue cooking in the residual heat.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the chopped spinach, crispy bacon, and about two-thirds of the cheese. The residual heat will wilt the spinach and melt the cheese. Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Serve

Divide among bowls and top with the remaining cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remove from heat when pasta is still slightly firm, as it will continue to cook and absorb sauce as it sits.
• Reserve Some Pasta Water: If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
• Layer the Flavors: Don’t skip building the flavor base with bacon fat and aromatics—this creates the foundation for the entire dish.
• Cheese Management: Adding most of the cheese to the hot pasta allows it to melt into the sauce, while reserving some for the top gives a nice finish.
• Wine Selection: If you don’t have white wine, a splash of lemon juice can provide similar acidity. If using wine, choose one you’d enjoy drinking for the best flavor.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty pasta works wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. A glass of the same white wine used in cooking makes an excellent beverage pairing.

Garnish Ideas

Finish with a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers, additional fresh sage leaves, or toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Bread Choices

A crusty piece of garlic bread or warm focaccia is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making this an excellent meal prep option.

Freezing

While cream-based pasta dishes aren’t ideal for freezing, this one holds up better than most due to the pumpkin content. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to revive the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and help the sauce recombine. Microwave reheating works too—cover loosely and heat at 50% power, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of Riccioli?
Absolutely! Any medium pasta shape with twists or ridges works well in this recipe. Penne, fusilli, or rotini are excellent alternatives as they all catch and hold the sauce beautifully. Cooking time may vary slightly based on the shape you choose.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pasta sauce?
No problem! You can make a quick substitute by combining 1 cup of pumpkin puree with 1 cup of marinara sauce and a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Alternatively, butternut squash sauce makes a delicious variation with a similar color and texture.

Is there a way to make this dish less rich?
Certainly! You can use all broth instead of the combination of broth and half & half. The sauce won’t be quite as creamy, but the starch from the pasta will still create a nice consistency. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim ricotta instead of the cheese blend.

Can I prepare components of this dish in advance?
Yes! Cook the bacon, brown the chicken with aromatics, and even chop the spinach up to a day ahead. Store everything separately in the refrigerator, then combine according to the recipe when you’re ready to cook. This strategy cuts down active cooking time to about the length of time it takes to cook the pasta.

This One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Bacon Pasta brings together the comfort of pasta, the seasonal warmth of pumpkin, and the irresistible flavor of bacon in one incredibly satisfying dish. The beauty lies in its simplicity – despite the rich, complex flavors, everything comes together in a single pot with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or looking to impress weekend dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something cozy and delicious!

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