Pancetta and Pasta with Peas
Crispy pancetta and sweet peas gives this simple dish a boost of flavor, while the lettuce adds a bit of crunch the whole family will enjoy. This is a quick and easy dish that has an unexpected but delicious flavor.
Pancetta and Pasta With Peas
Ingredients
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 lb spaghetti
- ½ cup pancetta cut into lardons
- 1 tbsp grapeseed oil
- 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1 red Fresno chili pepper thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- ½ cup frozen green peas
- 1 bunch fresh chives roughly chopped
- 1 bunch fresh parsley roughly chopped
- 1 bunch fresh basil roughly chopped
- 4 tbsp vegetable stock
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
- Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for garnish
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Place a large pot of water over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Generously salt the water and add the spaghetti. Stir well to prevent sticking and boil until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat pancetta and grapeseed oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the pancetta begins to caramelize, about 3 minutes.
- Add sliced garlic and Fresno chili to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt completely into the pancetta mixture.
- Add frozen peas and cook until they begin to soften. Stir in the chives, parsley, basil, and vegetable stock.
- Season the sauce lightly with kosher salt. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt fully.
- Pour in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water. Stir well to bring the sauce together.
- Gradually add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing between additions to evenly coat the noodles with the sauce.
- Serve immediately, topped with crushed red pepper flakes and plenty of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Fresno chili or add extra red pepper flakes.
- Pancetta can be swapped with bacon or omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this into a protein-packed entrée.
Nutrition
Serving: 4gCalories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 176mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 508IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.2mg
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