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Orecchiette with Squash and Broccoli

Orecchiette Pasta with Pancetta, Butternut Squash and Broccoli

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In this Orecchiette Pasta with Squash and Broccoli, tender roasted veggies are tossed with crispy pancetta and cooked orecchiette pasta in a simple parmesan cream sauce. Serves 4 to 6 depending on serving size.
Course grains & pastas
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword broccoli, butternut squash, orecchiette, pancetta, parmesan, pasta, pine nuts, skillet meal
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
Calories 703
Author Laurie McNamara

Ingredients

  • 11 ounces butternut squash diced small
  • 5 ounces broccoli florets
  • olive oil
  • kosher salt
  • fine sea salt for pasta water
  • 1/2 pound orecchiette pasta
  • 4 ounces diced pancetta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine like sauvignon blanc
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated is best
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (see notes for instructions)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 425℉ (or 220℃).

Roast The Squash and Broccoli:

  • Place the diced butternut squash and the broccoli florets on two separate rimmed, quarter baking sheets. Then drizzle with a little olive oil and season with kosher salt. Toss to coat.
  • Roast the squash for about 20 minutes. After the first 5 minutes, slide the pan with the broccoli into the oven to roast alongside the squash. Once done, check the squash by inserting a toothpick (it should effortlessly pierce through the squash), then remove the pans and set off to the side.
    Note: Timing will depend on the size of your squash.

Bring a pot of water to boil and crisp the pancetta:

  • While the vegetables are roasting, bring a pot of water to boil. Once boiling and a palmful of fine sea salt along with 8 ounces of the orecchiette pasta, stir often and cook according to package directions. I time this so the pasta is cooked when the sauce is done.
  • Meanwhile, right after to turn your heat on for the water, add the pancetta to a large 12-inch skillet and heat on medium. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the pancetta is crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel lined plate and set off to the side, leaving the fat in the pan.

Make The Sauce:

  • To the pancetta fat in the pan, add the butter, garlic and thyme leaves. Stir and cook 1 minute. Once the garlic is sautéed, pour in the dry white wine. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half.
  • Then pour in the heavy cream and add 1/4 cup of the grated parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer, stirring often, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Turn heat down to low and season the sauce with freshly ground black pepper and freshly grated nutmeg.
  • Next add in the drain cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash and broccoli and the pancetta. Toss to combine and test to see if it needs salt.
  • Divide the pasta among 4 bowls or plates and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese.

Notes

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Toasting Pine Nuts: Add pine nuts into a small dry skillet. Heat on medium to medium-low until fragrant and lightly golden brown. About 8 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 703kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 483mg | Potassium: 708mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 9472IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 217mg | Iron: 2mg