• Add 10 cups water and 2 tsp salt to a large pot (use same for 4 ppl). Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
• Meanwhile, add squash, 1 tsp salt and enough water to cover (by approx. 1 inch) to a medium pot (use same for 4 ppl). Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
• Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-high. Cook uncovered until squash is fork-tender, 10-12 min.
• Drain and return squash to the same pot, off heat.
• Mash squash until smooth.

• Meanwhile, add penne to the boiling water. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 10-12 min.
• Reserve 3/4 cup (1 1/2 cups) pasta water, then drain and return penne to the same pot, off heat. 

• Meanwhile, peel, then cut shallot into 1/4-inch pieces.
• Peel, then mince or grate garlic.
• Pick a few sage leaves from stems, then finely chop 1 tbsp (2 tbsp) leaves.

• Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat.
• While the pan heats, cut bacon crosswise into 1/4-inch strips.
• When hot, add bacon to the dry pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 5-7 min.**
• Remove the pan from heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
• Reserve bacon fat in the pan.

• When squash is almost done, reheat the pan with reserved bacon fat over medium.
• When hot, add shallots. Cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, 2-3 min.
• Add garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 sec.
• Add mashed squash, broth concentrate, cream cheese, reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp (2 tbsp) butter and 2 tsp sage. (NOTE: Reference sage guide.) Season with salt and pepper.
• Increase heat to medium-high. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, until sauce is smooth.

• Add spinach, penne and Parmesan to the pan with sauce. Cook, stirring often, until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly, 2-3 min. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Divide penne between plates.
• Sprinkle bacon and some chili flakes over top, if desired. (NOTE: Reference heat guide.)

If you've opted for double bacon, cook it in the same way the recipe instructs you to cook the regular portion of bacon. Work in batches, if necessary.