Malfadine alla Romana (Pasta with Bacon and Cheese Sauce)
Description: Malfadine is a delightful ribbon-like pasta that adds a touch of elegance to any meal. Discovered in an Italian gourmet shop, this dish combines the rich flavors of bacon and a creamy cheese sauce, making it irresistibly satisfying. While malfadine is the star, feel free to substitute it with tagliatelle if needed. This recipe serves two generously, but it can stretch to three servings when paired with a refreshing salad or vegetables. Surprisingly, this garlic-free dish is bursting with flavor, proving that simplicity can be delicious.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mafaldine pasta | 10 ounces |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Lardons (or diced bacon) | 7 ounces |
| Smoked bacon | 1 ounce |
| Canned Italian tomatoes | 12 ounces |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil) | 3 tablespoons |
| Parmesan cheese | 2 ounces |
| Romano cheese | 1 ounce |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 956.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 43.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 156.8 mg |
| Sodium | 306.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 118.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.1 g |
| Sugars | 10.3 g |
| Protein | 26.4 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Bacon: If you’re using bacon, start by cutting it into small cubes to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
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Sauté the Onion: In a large frying pan, add the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it is softened but not browned, allowing its sweetness to develop.
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Cook the Bacon: Add the lardons or bacon cubes to the pan. Cook until they are browned and crispy, enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor.
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Add Tomatoes: Stir in the canned Italian tomatoes and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. These will form the base of your rich sauce.
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Season and Simmer: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
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Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the mafaldine until al dente, following the package instructions for timing.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Strain the pasta, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the cooking water. Add the drained pasta to the frying pan with the sauce, incorporating the reserved water. Allow it to cook together for an additional minute to let the pasta absorb the flavors.
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Finish the Dish: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter and your choice of grated parmesan or romano cheese, mixing until everything is well combined and creamy.
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Serve: Transfer the pasta to a serving dish, and enjoy immediately while hot, savoring the rich combination of flavors.
This Malfadine alla Romana recipe beautifully illustrates how a few quality ingredients can come together to create a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to an elegant gathering with friends. Enjoy the delightful experience of this Italian classic!
