Creamy Pumpkin and Crispy Speck Casarecce Pasta

Recipe Title: Creamy Pumpkin and Speck Pasta (Pasta Zucca e Speck)

Category: Main Courses

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

This Creamy Pumpkin and Speck Pasta, also known as Pasta Zucca e Speck, is a perfect fall dish, with the sweetness of the pumpkin beautifully paired with the smokiness of the speck. Follow these steps to create this delicious meal for four.

1. Prepare the pumpkin
   Begin by slicing the pumpkin into wedges, and carefully remove the skin. Then, chop the pumpkin into irregular cubes. The pumpkin’s natural sweetness will infuse into the sauce, adding a rich flavor to the dish.

2. Slice the leek
   Clean the leek, discarding any tough outer leaves. Slice it thinly, ensuring even cooking for a tender texture that will complement the other ingredients.

3. Sauté the leek
   In a large casserole or deep skillet, pour a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium-low heat and add the sliced leek. Stir occasionally and cook until the leek becomes soft and translucent, around 4-5 minutes.

4. Cook the pumpkin
   Add the chopped pumpkin to the casserole with the leek, stirring to combine. Allow the pumpkin to cook for about 10 minutes, softening and slightly caramelizing. The pumpkin should become tender but still hold its shape, creating a beautiful base for the sauce.

5. Cook the pasta
   While the pumpkin cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the casarecce pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Be sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

6. Prepare the speck
   In a separate frying pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the speck, sliced into thin strips or cubes, and cook until it becomes crispy and golden. Add a few fresh sage leaves to the pan to infuse the speck with their earthy aroma. Stir occasionally, ensuring that the speck crisps evenly and the sage becomes fragrant.

7. Combine the ingredients
   Once the speck is crispy, add it to the pumpkin mixture, making sure to save a small portion of the speck for garnishing later. Stir to combine and create a harmonious blend of flavors. To ensure the sauce has the perfect consistency, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches a creamy yet fluid texture.

8. Finish the sauce
   Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the pumpkin and speck. Pour in the fresh cream and stir everything together gently. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss the pasta in the sauce for a minute or so to allow the flavors to meld together.

9. Serve and garnish
   Plate the pasta and top each serving with the crispy speck that you set aside earlier. The speck provides a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy pumpkin sauce, elevating this dish both in flavor and texture.

10. Enjoy your creamy pumpkin and speck pasta!
    Serve this dish hot, and enjoy the combination of creamy, smoky, and savory flavors. It’s an ideal meal for cozy fall evenings and will surely become a family favorite.

This hearty, flavorful pasta is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a great way to showcase seasonal ingredients like pumpkin. The speck adds a delightful smokiness that pairs beautifully with the soft sweetness of the pumpkin. Serve with a light salad and a glass of crisp white wine to complete the meal. Enjoy the fall comfort in every bite!