Spaghetti Squash Alfredo / Pancetta and Peas

If you have never tried spaghetti squash, you owe it to yourself to try it.  I love it, my husband not so much.

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3 lbs.)
• 4 oz. pancetta, diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 1 small shallot, diced
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of pepper
• 1 cups frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 oz.)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Halve and seed the spaghetti squash.  The easiest way to cook it is in the microwave.  Place squash cut sides down in a microwave safe baking dish.  Fill the dish with about 1 inch of water.  Microwave on high for about 12 minutes, or until you can easily pierce the squash with a fork.  Cooking time depends on the size of the squash and individual microwaves.  Let cool for about 15 minutes, or until squash is cool enough to handle.

If you would prefer to bake it.  Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Turn squash cut sides down on a baking sheet.  Bake for about 40 minutes until you can easily pierce the squash with a fork.  Let cool for about 15 minutes, or until squash is cool enough to handle. With fork, scrape out the spaghetti like strands and prepare as desired.

Meanwhile, cook pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 6 minutes.  Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon; set aside.  Add the shallot and thyme to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the wine and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until mostly evaporated, about 1 minute. Add the heavy cream, nutmeg, salt and pepper.

Increase the heat to medium high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the peas and parmesan.  Continue cooking until the sauce is thick and creamy, about 1 more minute.  Remove from the heat.

Scrape squash strands with a fork and add along with the pancetta to the sauce.  Return to medium heat and cook, stirring, until combined, about 1 minute.  Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with parsley.

Makes 4 servings.

“Our surprising God often shows His presence when we least expect Him.”