📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for perfectly roasted veggies!
2. Wash and halve the butternut squash lengthwise. Remove seeds and stringy bits. Then, slice it into 1/2-inch thick half-moons. Don't worry about being too precise; rustic is good!
3. Toss the butternut squash pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they're not overcrowded so they get nice and crispy!
4. Trim and halve the Brussel sprouts. If they're large, cut them into quarters. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a separate baking sheet. You can roast these on the same sheet as the squash if you have enough space.
5. Roast the vegetables: Place both baking sheets in the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and slightly caramelized, and the Brussel sprouts are tender and slightly charred. Keep an eye on them, and don't be afraid to adjust the cooking time based on your oven and how your veggies are looking!
6. While the veggies roast, cook the bacon. You can do this in a pan over medium heat until it's crispy. Remove from pan and set aside, reserving the bacon fat. OMG the smell is heavenly!
7. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Make sure to cook it al dente – a little firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set aside. Remember, you'll be adding it to the pan with other hot ingredients, so it doesn't need to be completely cooked before going into the final dish.
8. In the same pan used to cook the bacon (with the bacon fat still in it!), add the roasted butternut squash and Brussel sprouts. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly browned. If the pan is too dry, add a little extra olive oil or bacon fat to keep things from sticking.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated with the butternut squash, Brussel sprouts, and bacon fat. If you like a little more richness, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of butter here. I really like the addition of butter!
10. Stir in the chopped bacon and toss to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. How does it taste? If you think you need more salt and pepper, feel free to add them!
11. Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, if desired. Enjoy your amazing autumn-inspired pasta dish! It's going to be delicious and warm you up from the inside out!