Penne with Winter Squash and Bacon - Dishing Up the Dirt

This comforting pasta dish combines the earthy sweetness of winter squash with the salty richness of bacon, creating a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings. The creamy Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious touch to the dish, making it a delightful indulgence for pasta lovers.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 small winter squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Follow the directions on the package to cook the penne pasta until it is al dente

Remove the water and set it aside

Fry bacon bits in a big pan over medium-low heat until they are crispy

Take the bacon out of the pan and set it aside

Leave the bacon fat in the pan

To the pan with the bacon fat, add the diced winter squash

Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the squash is golden brown and soft

Chop the onion very small, mince the garlic, and add red pepper flakes to the pan

About two to three minutes later, the onions will be clear and the garlic will smell good

Put the cooked penne pasta and bacon back in the pan

Add everything to the bowl and mix it well

Grate some Parmesan cheese and chop up some parsley

To taste, add salt and black pepper

If you want, you can serve it hot and top it with more Parmesan cheese and parsley