Pumpkin and speck pasta is a fall first course that combines sweet and savory flavors in perfect harmony. The sweetness of the pumpkin blends harmoniously with the savory taste of speck, creating a creamy and enveloping sauce, ideal for warming up the colder days. Simple to prepare but rich in taste, this dish is perfect for both a family lunch and a special dinner.
And here is a selection of recipes with pumpkin:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very affordable
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Fall, Winter, Autumn
Ingredients
- 1 lb butternut squash
- 1 slice speck (about 5 oz)
- 1/4 onion (or shallot)
- 11 oz pipe rigate
- 1 sprig rosemary
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste water (or vegetable broth)
Tools
- 1 Frying Pan
- 1 Casserole
- 1 Frying Pan
Steps for Pumpkin and Speck Pasta
Start by cleaning the pumpkin: peel it, remove seeds and fibers, wash it, pat it dry, and cut it into cubes about 0.5 inches.
In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden over low heat. Then add the pumpkin, a sprig of rosemary, and a ladle of water (or vegetable broth). Cover with a lid and cook over medium heat until the pumpkin is tender: it will take about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of plenty of water to a boil. When the water boils, salt it, add the pasta (I used pipe rigate) and cook according to the package instructions.
On a cutting board, cut the slice of speck into strips. In another pan, heat a drizzle of oil, add the speck and fry for a few minutes until crispy. Once cooked, add it to the pumpkin.
Drain the pasta al dente and add it to the pan with the sauce. Sauté everything for a couple of minutes, so that the pasta absorbs all the flavors.
Your pumpkin and speck pasta is ready to be served. Enjoy your meal!
Storing Pumpkin and Speck Pasta
Pumpkin and speck pasta is best enjoyed freshly made when the sauce is still creamy and well-coated to the pasta. It is not recommended to store it as it tends to lose texture and flavor. Enjoy it immediately, as soon as it’s ready!
