Pasta with Agretti and Speck
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne Rigate | 320g |
| Agretti (Barba di Frate) | 200g |
| Speck | 100g |
| Fresh Liquid Cream | 100g |
| Fontina Cheese | 20g |
| Shallot | 1 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
| Parsley | To taste |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by cleaning and thinly slicing the shallot. Then, remove the tough white part of the agretti (also known as “barba di frate”), wash the green stems thoroughly, and chop them finely. Grate the Fontina cheese and set it aside for later.
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and once it’s boiling, salt it generously. Add the penne rigate to the water and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
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Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and sautรฉ it gently until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the speck, cut into small cubes, and cook for a few minutes until the speck turns golden and crispy.
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Combine the Ingredients: Once the speck is cooked, pour in the fresh cream and allow it to heat through, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency.
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Finish the Dish: Drain the pasta and add it directly to the pan with the creamy speck sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce to ensure it is well coated. Stir in the grated Fontina cheese, and continue to stir until it melts and creates a creamy texture.
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Season and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle in freshly chopped parsley for a burst of flavor. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
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Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta, giving it a final sprinkle of pepper if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Pasta with Agretti and Speck!
This simple yet elegant dish combines the earthy flavors of agretti with the smoky richness of speck, creating a creamy and indulgent pasta. The addition of Fontina cheese and fresh cream adds depth, while the parsley and black pepper give it a fresh, vibrant finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
