Linguine with pancetta and sauteed cherry tomatoes
Enjoy a delightful Italian-inspired dish with Linguine, Pancetta, and Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes. This flavorful recipe features crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of red pepper, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and generously sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Simple yet exquisite, it's a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
4 oz bacon1 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 cups cherry tomatoes
6 garlic cloves
4 tbsp basil
1/4 tsp red pepper
12 oz pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
Linguine with pancetta and sautéed cherry tomatoes is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines the savory flavor of pancetta with the sweet juiciness of cherry tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for a quick yet sophisticated meal, offering a balance of textures and flavors that will surely please your palate.
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced pancetta (or bacon) to the skillet and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once done, remove the pancetta from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat. Leave 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the pancetta fat, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low, and return the crispy pancetta to the skillet with the tomatoes.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to combine everything well.
- If the mixture seems a bit dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to help create a sauce.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the pasta and toss again to coat.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
- Add the chopped fresh basil and toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (additional salt and pepper, if needed).
- Serve the linguine hot, with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Use fresh and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Cook the bacon until it is crispy to add a nice crunch to the dish.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help create a silky sauce.
- Finely chop the garlic to ensure even distribution of flavor.
- Fresh basil can be added at the end for a burst of freshness and color.
Linguine with pancetta and sautéed cherry tomatoes is a simple yet elegant dish that is sure to impress. The combination of the smokey pancetta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic is simply unbeatable. By following these tips, you'll create a delicious and memorable meal that captures the essence of Italian cuisine.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 580kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 70g
Fiber 4.27g
Sugar 5g
Fat 33g
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