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

• Meanwhile, add penne to the boiling water. Cook uncovered for 10-12 min, stirring occasionally, until tender. 
• 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.
• While the pan heats, cut bacon crosswise into 1/4-inch strips.
• When hot, add bacon to the dry pan. Cook for 5-7 min, stirring occasionally, until crispy.** 
• 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 for 2-3 min, stirring often, until slightly softened.
• Add garlic. Cook for 30 sec, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
• Add mashed squash, broth concentrate, cream cheese, reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp (2 tbsp) butter and 2 tsp sage. (NOTE: Like it more seasoned? Add more sage!) 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 for 2-3 min, stirring often, until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Divide penne between plates.
• Sprinkle bacon and some chili flakes over top, if desired. (NOTE: Like things spicy? Add more chili flakes!)

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