Smoked Pancetta Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe (Pasta con Salsa alla Pancetta Affumicata)
This Smoked Pancetta Pasta is a delightful dish where the rich, smoky flavors of pancetta blend perfectly with fresh, juicy tomatoes, all tossed together with a comforting serving of al dente pasta. A touch of white wine and fresh basil adds depth, while a sprinkle of black pepper brings it all together. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of smoky, savory, and aromatic flavors.
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sedanini Rigati (or pasta of choice) | 320g |
| Smoked Pancetta (diced) | 250g |
| Canned Peeled Tomatoes | 450g |
| Celery (finely chopped) | 100g |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 100g |
| White Wine | 75g |
| Fresh Chili Pepper (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Fresh Basil (torn by hand) | To taste |
| Black Pepper (freshly ground) | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 64g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 550mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Start with cleaning and chopping the celery into small pieces, ensuring it’s finely diced to blend seamlessly into the sauce. Next, take the chili pepper, remove the seeds (unless you prefer a spicier kick), and finely chop it. Now, peel and chop the onion, ensuring it’s finely diced to avoid large chunks in your sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Pancetta
Heat a generous splash of extra virgin olive oil in a large casserole dish or deep pan over medium-low heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced smoked pancetta. Let it cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to render out the fat from the pancetta, allowing it to become crispy while imparting a rich, smoky flavor to the oil.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the pancetta is golden and crispy, add the chopped celery and onions to the pan. Stir well, and let them cook down for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent. The aroma should fill your kitchen at this point, as the smoky pancetta combines beautifully with the sautéed vegetables.
Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine
Once the vegetables are softened, it’s time to deglaze the pan. Pour in the white wine, allowing it to sizzle and steam. Stir to loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate, and leaving behind the subtle acidity and depth of the wine.
Step 5: Add the Tomatoes
Now, add the canned peeled tomatoes to the pan. Crush them lightly with a spoon to break them into smaller pieces. Stir the tomatoes into the pancetta and vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is well combined. Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of chili if you like an extra kick. Add fresh basil leaves torn by hand to infuse a fragrant, herbal note.
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should reduce slightly, becoming thicker and more concentrated in flavor. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sedanini rigati (or your pasta of choice) and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. The pasta should retain a slight firmness when bitten.
Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving a small amount of pasta water. Add the drained pasta directly into the saucepan with the pancetta and tomato sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated with the rich, smoky sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add a small splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 9: Final Touches
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning, adding extra salt, pepper, or chili as needed. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the pasta for a glossy finish and an added touch of richness. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic touch.
Tips for the Perfect Smoked Pancetta Pasta
- Pasta Choice: Sedanini rigati works wonderfully for this dish, but you can swap it for other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni, as long as the sauce clings well to the noodles.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili pepper or omit it entirely. For more heat, increase the chili or even add some chili flakes.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier version, stir in a spoonful of heavy cream at the end, just before serving. This will add a luscious texture to the sauce.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for more texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This smoky pancetta pasta is perfect on its own, but it can also be served with a simple green salad for some freshness. Pair it with a crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the rich flavors of the pancetta and tomato sauce. For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful pasta dish that brings together the best of smoky, savory pancetta with the freshness of tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress!
