Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Penne with Gorgonzola Dolce, Pancetta, and Asparagus—a dish that harmoniously blends creamy, savory, and fresh ingredients. Tender penne pasta is coated in a rich Gorgonzola Dolce and heavy cream sauce, perfectly balanced by the salty crunch of crispy pancetta and the bright, tender-crisp asparagus. A hint of garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese elevate each bite, while fresh basil adds a fragrant touch to this comforting yet elegant meal. Ready in just 40 minutes, this irresistible pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Serve it with a crisp salad or warm crusty bread, and watch it become a mealtime favorite.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the asparagus by trimming the woody ends and slicing the spears into 2-inch pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and asparagus pieces. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then crumble the Gorgonzola Dolce into the sauce. Stir gently until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Stir in the crispy pancetta and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Optionally, add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Calories |
3831 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 229.0 g | 294% | |
| Saturated Fat | 109.7 g | 548% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 539 mg | 180% | |
| Sodium | 7174 mg | 312% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 311.0 g | 113% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 135.5 g | 271% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1323 mg | 102% | |
| Iron | 21.7 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 1964 mg | 42% | |
*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.