Pasta with Parsley Pesto and Crispy Speck

Pasta with Parsley Pesto and Speck

Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4

This flavorful dish brings together the rich, savory taste of speck and the fresh, herby vibrancy of parsley pesto, making it the perfect comfort meal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this pasta recipe will delight your guests with its balance of textures and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pesto
Start by preparing the parsley pesto. Rinse the fresh parsley thoroughly and remove the leaves from the stems. Place the parsley leaves, pine nuts, and blanched almonds into a food processor. Add 20g of the extra virgin olive oil (reserved from the total quantity), and pulse the ingredients until a rough paste forms. Gradually add the remaining 50g of olive oil, blending continuously, until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. This should take about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While preparing the pesto, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trofie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve a small cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Speck
Next, take the speck and slice it into thick strips, about 1 cm wide. In a large skillet, heat 20g of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the speck and sauté for a few minutes until it crisps up and turns golden brown.

Step 4: Combine the Pesto and Speck
Once the speck is crispy, add the freshly made parsley pesto to the skillet. Stir quickly to combine, then remove the skillet from the heat. If needed, you can add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to help bring everything together into a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pesto and speck. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the pesto. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for an extra touch of richness. Enjoy your delicious Pasta with Parsley Pesto and Speck, a perfect blend of fresh, creamy, and smoky flavors!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.)

This delightful combination of fresh parsley, creamy pesto, crispy speck, and hearty trofie pasta is an easy, satisfying dish that offers a taste of Italy right at your table. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser every time!