Pasta with Cream and Pancetta
Creamy, indulgent, and packed with flavor, this Pasta with Cream and Pancetta recipe is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or a special dinner at home. Tender pasta of your choice—be it spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne—is coated in a luxurious, garlic-infused cream sauce enriched with melted Parmesan cheese. Crispy, golden-brown pancetta brings a delectable salty crunch, while a hint of freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick. The dish comes together effortlessly in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for both novice and seasoned cooks alike. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy finish. Simple yet sophisticated, this pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread. Looking for a creamy pasta recipe that hits all the right notes? This rich and savory dish delivers every time.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 150 grams pancetta, diced
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 to taste salt
- 1 to taste black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden and crispy. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Lower the heat to medium-low, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the cream, creating a smooth sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Return the cooked pasta and crispy pancetta to the skillet. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
566 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.6 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.2 g | 96% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 97 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 1278 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.8 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 16.2 g | 32% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 153 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 131 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
