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Savory Pea and Pancetta Pasta

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A quick and easy pasta dish combining crispy pancetta, sweet peas, and creamy Parmesan for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 6 ounces pancetta, diced (thick-cut bacon can be used as a substitute)
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed (fresh peas can be used in season)
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water (about 4 quarts) to a boil. Add a tablespoon of salt.
  2. Cook spaghetti for 9-11 minutes or until al dente, following package instructions.
  3. While the water heats, place diced pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy but slightly chewy. Remove pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  4. Add minced garlic to the pancetta fat and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  5. Add peas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and bright green.
  6. Drain pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water. Do not rinse.
  7. Add pasta directly to the skillet with peas and garlic. Return pancetta to the pan.
  8. Turn off the heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time until a creamy sauce forms that coats the pasta.
  9. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes if desired. Taste before adding salt.
  10. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Do not overcook pancetta; it should be crispy yet tender. Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce without cream. Add cheese off the heat to prevent clumping. Adjust salt carefully as pancetta and Parmesan add saltiness. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of water.

Nutrition

Keywords: pea pasta, pancetta pasta, easy pasta recipe, Parmesan pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, savory pasta

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/savory-pea-and-pancetta-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-parmesan-dish/