Pasta al Pane (Bread Pasta)
Category: Main Course (Primi Piatti)
Servings: 4
This traditional and comforting Italian dish, “Pasta al Pane,” is a delightful blend of spaghetti, homemade bread, and a creamy sauce made from milk-soaked bread. With the richness of olive oil, garlic, and a touch of heat from fresh chili, this simple recipe captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking. Serve this unique pasta as a main course for a family dinner, and you’ll be greeted with a warm, flavorful experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 400g |
| Homemade rustic bread (Pane casereccio) | 300g |
| White bread (Pane) | 50g |
| Whole milk | 630ml |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 10g |
| Fresh chili pepper | 1 |
| Garlic (half a clove) | 1/2 clove |
| Fresh parsley | 20g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bread Cream:
Begin by cutting the rustic homemade bread (pane casereccio) into large chunks. Place the pieces into a bowl and add the milk. Use a fork to gently mix and soak the bread until it becomes softened and saturated. Then, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until it forms a smooth, creamy consistency. Set aside. -
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. -
Prepare the Chili and Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, deseed the fresh chili pepper and slice it thinly. In a pan, heat a little extra virgin olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and chili, allowing them to lightly sauté until aromatic, being careful not to burn them. -
Combine the Cream and Pasta:
Once the garlic and chili are softened, add a small amount of pasta water to the pan to create a bit of sauce. Then, pour in the creamy bread mixture you prepared earlier. Stir gently to combine and warm through, ensuring a smooth consistency. -
Toast the Breadcrumbs:
While the pasta and sauce are cooking, take the white bread (pane) and cut it into small cubes. Toast the cubes in a dry skillet for a few moments until golden brown and crispy. If necessary, add a bit of water to the pan to prevent the breadcrumbs from burning. -
Assemble the Dish:
Drain the spaghetti and transfer it to the pan with the creamy bread sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add chopped fresh parsley to enhance the flavor and garnish the dish with the crispy, toasted breadcrumbs. -
Serve:
Plate the pasta, ensuring each portion is topped with a generous amount of toasted breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this traditional Italian dish.
Tips and Variations
- For an extra burst of flavor, feel free to add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- If you prefer a smoother texture in the sauce, strain the bread mixture before adding it to the pasta.
- This dish is an excellent way to use up leftover bread, making it a perfect zero-waste recipe.
This Pasta al Pane is a simple yet decadent dish that brings the best of Italian culinary traditions into your home, with the added bonus of being incredibly budget-friendly and satisfying. Enjoy it with a side of fresh salad or a glass of crisp white wine for a complete meal.
