Penne with pancetta and tomato

Penne with pancetta and tomato: an Italian feast on your table

If you are looking for a quick and delicious recipe for a savory dinner, you have come to the right place! Penne with pancetta and tomato is an ideal choice, bringing the authentic flavors of Italy to your table. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want to enjoy a tasty dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Let's discover together how you can transform simple ingredients into a memorable meal!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 400 g penne (pasta)
- 150 g pancetta (or bacon, if you can't find pancetta)
- 1 cup passata di pomodoro (tomato purée)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 100 ml red wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Optional: grated parmesan for serving
- Optional: fresh basil for garnish

A brief story about the recipe

Penne with pancetta and tomato combines Italian culinary tradition with basic ingredients found in any kitchen. "Penne" refers to the shape of the pasta, which is easy to catch with the sauce, while "pancetta" is an essential ingredient, bringing a rich flavor and umami taste. This recipe has become popular due to its simplicity and short cooking time, making it ideal for those who love good food but don't always have time to prepare it.

Step by step: How to prepare Penne with pancetta and tomato

1. Preparing the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. When it starts boiling, add salt (about 1-2 tablespoons) and add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and let it fry for 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden. This step is essential as the pancetta will add a deep and rich flavor to the sauce.

3. Adding aromatic ingredients: Once the pancetta is ready, add the 2 sliced cloves of garlic. Let them sauté for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn them, as burnt garlic can become bitter.

4. Deglazing the skillet: Pour the red wine into the skillet and let it boil for 2-3 minutes. This step will not only add a delicious flavor but will also help release the flavors that have stuck to the bottom of the skillet.

5. Adding passata di pomodoro: After the wine has reduced a bit, add the passata di pomodoro (tomato purée) and mix well. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors and achieve a creamy texture.

6. Finishing the dish: When the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it quickly under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Add the pasta to the skillet over the pancetta sauce and mix well so that each piece of penne is coated with sauce.

7. Serving: Serve the pasta warm, sprinkled with grated parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves for an extra flavor. If you like a spicy taste, you can also add a bit of chili pepper.

Practical tips

- Choosing the wine: Use a red wine that you would be willing to drink. The taste of the wine will intensify in the sauce, so choose a quality one.
- Variations: You can add vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to the sauce for a fresh and healthy touch. Also, if you want a creamier sauce, add a few tablespoons of cream at the end.
- Al dente pasta: Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce, absorbing flavors.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Whole wheat pasta is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Pancetta adds quality protein, and tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Extra virgin olive oil is full of healthy fatty acids that can support heart health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Of course! You can use any type of pasta, from spaghetti to fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

2. What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat them on the stove or in the oven to bring them back to life.

3. Is this a vegetarian recipe?
If you want to make the recipe vegetarian, you can omit the pancetta and add vegetables or mushrooms for a rich flavor.

Delicious combinations

To complement this Italian meal, you can enjoy a glass of red wine alongside your pasta. A fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese will add a crunchy and light note. If you crave something sweet, a tiramisu or gelato will be the perfect ending to this dinner.

I hope this recipe for Penne with pancetta and tomato has sparked your desire to cook. Now all that's left is for you to get started and enjoy every bite! Buon appetito!