Pancetta Pasta Recipe

This Pancetta Pasta Recipe is made with butter, pancetta, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, heavy cream and topped with perfect al dente pasta.

The way I made this recipe was when my refrigerator was basically bare and I sort of whipped it up. This is how I make the best recipes! I thought the crispiness of the pancetta and the soft mushrooms would pair well with a bite sized pasta. The best part of this recipe is that it only takes 20 minutes to make, and it is so delicious. This pasta is called creamy pancetta pasta because it uses heavy cream, but it is not super milky which I love. Don’t forget to make a little garlic bread to serve on the side.

If you are looking for a fast delicious pasta, this is the one. This is by far one of my favorite recipes ever. The combination of the pancetta, mushroom and pasta is to die for. You can make this with bow ties, rigatoni or spaghetti. I paired this with a nice Cabernet Sauvignon, which went well with the mushrooms and pancetta. This is a great hearty pasta that is best enjoyed during those cold winter days. This is a healthy, hearty pasta that is perfect for the winter. It is loaded with mushrooms, pancetta, and pasta. This recipe uses mushroom when you are on the go and need to make something quick. It has so much flavor and it is unbelievably easy to make. This recipe is kid friendly and adult friendly too. You could even make this with rice instead of pasta. Other recipe to try are my VEGAN PASTA E FAGIOLI.

Jump to:

• What is Pancetta?
• What is Pancetta Pasta?
• Pancetta Pasta Ingredients
• How to make Pancetta Pasta
• What to serve with Pancetta Pasta
• Why should you eat mushrooms?
• Substitutions for Pancetta Pasta Recipe
• Pancetta Pasta Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Pancetta Pasta
• Pancetta Pasta Recipe Top tips
• Pancetta Pasta Recipe
• Food safety

What is Pancetta?

Pancetta is a type of Italian bacon that is made from pork belly. It is cured with salt and spices such as black pepper, nutmeg, fennel, and garlic, and then dried for several months. Pancetta is often used as a flavorful ingredient in many Italian dishes, such as pasta carbonara, amatriciana, and arrabbiata sauces, as well as in soups, stews, and salads. It has a rich, salty, and slightly sweet taste and a soft, delicate texture that melts in your mouth. Pancetta is widely available in most supermarkets and specialty food stores and can be found in both sliced and diced forms.

What is Pancetta Pasta?

Pancetta pasta is a type of Italian pasta dish that typically includes pancetta, which is a type of Italian bacon made from pork belly that is salt-cured and seasoned with various herbs and spices. The pancetta is usually diced and cooked until crispy before being added to the pasta along with other ingredients such as garlic, onions, tomatoes, and cheese. The dish is often served with a light sauce made from olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice, and may be garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. Pancetta pasta is a popular and flavorful Italian dish that is enjoyed by many people around the world.

Pancetta Pasta Ingredients

• Butter
• Pancetta
• Mushrooms
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic
• Heavy Cream
• Pasta
• Parsley
• Parmesan Cheese

See recipe card for quantities for this Pancetta Pasta Recipe.

How to make Pancetta Pasta

Hint: Wait until the pancetta gets crusty and the mushrooms are soft. That texture combination is impeccable.

What to serve with Pancetta Pasta

Pancetta pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with Pancetta pasta:

• Garlic bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy dressing can be a great accompaniment to Pancetta pasta.
• Grilled vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers make a colorful and nutritious side dish.
• Roasted potatoes: Roasted or mashed potatoes make a hearty and filling side dish that pairs well with the rich flavors of Pancetta pasta.
• Wine: A glass of red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese can complement the flavors of the dish and enhance the dining experience.

Why should you eat mushrooms?

Mushrooms are a rich, low calorie source of fiber, antioxidants, and protein. They help lessen the risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Mushrooms are huge when it comes to heart health because they are rich in potassium and selenium. Shiitake is actually the healthiest of the mushrooms, but let’s face it, most mushrooms are. They are actually most healthy when they are cooked instead of raw, because it destroys any toxins and carcinogens. This is the perfect comfort food at the end of a long tiring work day. If you would like to add more veggies, try adding some spinach toward the end for a little color. Remember to keep stirring every few minutes to keep the pancetta from burning, since it is very similar to bacon.

Substitutions for Pancetta Pasta Recipe

• Mushroom: I would use button, baby bella or cremini mushroom to pair well and mix it up with the pancetta. You would even try shiitake mushrooms or finely diced portobello mushroom.
• Pancetta: If you can’t find pancetta anywhere, it is almost okay to substitute with finely chopped bacon or bacon lardons. They are both pork belly!
• Worcestershire sauce: This will always be one of my favorite sauces ever. If you are not a fan, you can opt for using soy sauce instead.
• Parmesan: I use regular grated parmesan from the store. You could also grate your own parmesan too.
• Heavy Cream: The heavy cream crates a super-rich and luscious taste and will not clump with the parmesan. Milk is higher in water content and will clump more with the parmesan.
• Garlic: You can smash the garlic or mince it.
• Olive Oil: I would extra virgin olive oil for best quality and taste.
• Pasta: I used rigatoni but you can use any bite size pasta

Pancetta Pasta Recipe Variations

Pancetta pasta is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some recipe variations to try:

• Carbonara: Make a classic carbonara by tossing the Pancetta pasta with a sauce made from eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
• Amatriciana: Add diced tomatoes, onions, and red pepper flakes to the Pancetta pasta for a spicy twist on the dish.
• Alfredo: Make a creamy Alfredo sauce by adding heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese to the Pancetta pasta.
• Lemon and Garlic: Add a tangy twist by tossing the Pancetta pasta with garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
• Pesto: Toss the Pancetta pasta with a homemade or store-bought pesto sauce for a flavorful and fresh variation.
• Mushroom and Spinach: Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to the Pancetta pasta for a nutritious and hearty dish.
• Tomato Cream: Make a rich and creamy tomato sauce by adding heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and herbs to the Pancetta pasta.

Check out my CREAMY SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI PASTA on my website.

Equipment

• Large pot: to cook the pasta in.
• Colander: Colander to drain the cooked pasta.
• Large skillet or frying pan: to cook the Pancetta and other ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: to stir and toss the pasta and ingredients.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: to chop the Pancetta and other ingredients.
• Grater: to grate the Parmesan cheese, if using.
• Measuring cups and spoons: to measure ingredients accurately.
• Tongs: to toss the pasta and ingredients together.

How to store Pancetta Pasta

To store Pancetta pasta, follow these simple steps:

1. Let it cool: Allow the Pancetta pasta to cool to room temperature before storing it.
2. Transfer to an airtight container: Transfer the Pancetta pasta to an airtight container, such as a food storage container with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag.
3. Refrigerate: Store the Pancetta pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This can also be frozen for up to three months.
4. Reheat: To reheat the Pancetta pasta, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish or a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it is warmed through.

Pancetta Pasta Recipe Top tips

Here are some top tips for making a delicious Pancetta pasta recipe:

• Use high-quality ingredients: Since Pancetta pasta is a simple dish that relies on the quality of its ingredients, make sure to use high-quality pasta, Pancetta, and other ingredients for the best flavor.
• Cook the Pancetta first: Cooking the Pancetta until crispy will release its natural oils and add depth of flavor to the dish.
• Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture.
• Reserve some pasta water: Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water. It can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
• Experiment with herbs and spices: Add some herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, or nutmeg, to the dish to give it a unique flavor.
• Add cheese at the end: If using Parmesan cheese or another hard cheese, add it to the Pancetta pasta at the end of the cooking process to prevent it from melting and becoming stringy.
• Let the pasta rest: After tossing the pasta with the sauce and other ingredients, let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Print

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.