Name: Pastina with Butternut Squash & Crispy Bacon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: Ingredients for Pastina with Butternut Squash and Crispy Bacon:; 1 Box Barilla® Pastina pasta; 2 Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 2 Shallots, minced; 1 Small butternut squash, 2/3 inch diced [4 cups]; 3 Cups veggie broth; 2 Slices bacon, julienne; 2 Tablespoons butter; ½ Cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated

Pastina with Butternut Squash & Crispy Bacon

40 minutes

Weekend Gatherings Winter Recipes Dairy/Cream Pork/Sausage Classic Blue Box Soup

With just 8 ingredients, this pastina recipe is an easy, creamy winter dish that the whole family will love. The sauce is made by simmering butternut squash in broth and blending it until smooth, creating a naturally velvety texture without any cream. The pastina soaks up the flavor of the purée, while crispy pancetta adds contrast and depth, making the dish comforting and well balanced. Pastina—also known as star-shaped pasta—is a favorite with both kids and adults. In this version it’s paired with a squash cream and finished with crispy pancetta for a rich yet delicate result.

Ingredients

6 servings

Ingredients for Pastina with Butternut Squash and Crispy Bacon:

1Box Barilla^® Pastina pasta

2Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2Shallots, minced

1Small butternut squash, 2/3 inch diced [4 cups]

3Cups veggie broth

2Slices bacon, julienne

2Tablespoons butter

½Cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated

Disclaimer

Individuals with allergies or specific dietary concerns should verify that the ingredients they utilize for the recipes comply with their restrictions.

Method

Step 1

In a large skillet, sauté the shallot with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil for about 2 minutes, until translucent.

Step 2

Add the diced butternut squash and let it brown for a few minutes. Pour in enough vegetable broth to partially cover the squash and simmer until completely tender. Let it cool slightly, then blend until you get a smooth, velvety cream—perfect for dressing the pasta.

Step 3

Return the squash cream to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer to set the consistency.

Step 4

In a separate pan, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Cooking it slowly allows the fat to render evenly, so it turns crunchy without getting greasy. Drain off the excess fat and set aside.

Step 5

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pastina for 1 minute less than the package directions. This lets it finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing flavor without turning mushy.

Step 6

Drain the pastina and add it to the squash cream. Toss over high heat for about 1 minute, until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 7

Turn off the heat and let it rest for 1 minute. Stir in the butter and Parmesan: this step thickens the sauce and adds creaminess without using cream. Finish with the crispy pancetta just before serving.

Pastina

There are few children in Italy who do not grow up eating Pastina, these classic tiny pasta stars are what parents first serve as a child’s introduction to the delicious world of pasta. Others love this small pasta in their favorite chicken soup recipe. Check our recipe section for our favorite ways to use Pastina! Barilla^® Pastina is made with non-GMO ingredients. For more information, please read our position.

Shape

Pastina

Pack size

12oz

Range

Classic Blue Box

View product

Pastina

Shape

Pastina

Pack size

12oz

Range

Classic Blue Box

View product