Creamy Pasta with Potatoes, Provolone, and Crispy Pancetta

Pasta and Potatoes with Provolone and Pancetta

Category: Main Course (Primi Piatti)
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

A heartwarming and indulgent dish, Pasta and Potatoes with Provolone and Pancetta brings together the rich flavors of melted cheese, crispy pancetta, and tender potatoes. The addition of fresh basil and Grana Padano DOP creates a comforting, yet sophisticated meal that is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. This flavorful recipe combines hearty vegetables, savory cured meats, and creamy cheeses for a satisfying experience that is sure to please anyone at the table.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   Begin by washing and cleaning all the vegetables. Finely chop the celery, onion, and carrots. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1 cm cubes.

2. Prepare the Meats:
   Slice the lardo into strips. Then, cut the pancetta into thin strips as well.

3. Sauté the Ingredients:
   In a large, high-sided pan, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil and heat over medium. Add a sprig of basil (which will be removed later), the lardo, and pancetta. Sauté for about 2 minutes, allowing the fat to render and the pancetta to crisp up. Once done, remove the basil sprig.

4. Cook the Vegetables:
   Add the chopped vegetables to the pan. Season with salt and stir well. Continue to cook for a few minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.

5. Add the Potatoes:
   Add the cubed potatoes to the pan, mix thoroughly, and cover. Let them cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Prepare the Cheese:
   While the vegetables and potatoes cook, cut the provolone cheese into cubes. Also, cut the Grana Padano rind into small cubes.

7. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the mixed pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, reserve a little bit of the cooking water.

8. Combine Pasta with the Sauce:
   Once the potatoes are tender, add the cooked pasta to the pan with the vegetable and meat mixture. Stir well to combine, adding a bit of pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce.

9. Finish with Cheese:
   Add the cubes of Grana Padano rind and mix until they melt into the dish. Finally, stir in the provolone cubes. Let everything come together for a few more minutes on the heat until the cheese is beautifully melted and the flavors meld together.

10. Serve:
    Once the dish is hot and the cheese is perfectly melted, serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Pasta and Potatoes with Provolone and Pancetta!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This dish is a perfect blend of comfort and rich flavor, with each bite offering a satisfying combination of creamy, savory, and slightly salty notes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, Pasta and Potatoes with Provolone and Pancetta is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!