Creamy Basil Tomato Penne with Crispy Pancetta
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Basil Tomato Penne with Crispy Pancetta, a perfect fusion of rich flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This one-dish meal features al dente penne pasta enveloped in a luscious tomato cream sauce, accentuated with aromatic basil and the savory crunch of pancetta. Ideal for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this recipe is both comforting and gourmet, making it a must-try for any pasta lover. Serve it with a sprinkle of extra basil and a side of garlic bread for an unforgettable meal experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
16 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
pancetta
3 ounces (chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
marinara sauce
26 ounces (jarred)
dry white wine
1/2 cup (for cooking)
half-and-half cream
1/2 cup (for a creamy texture)
basil leaves
3/4 cup (torn, divided)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and return it to the pot, keeping it warm.
2
In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the chopped pancetta. Sauté for about 6 minutes, or until crispy, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove the pancetta from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
3
In the same skillet, add olive oil and increase the heat slightly. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4
Pour in the marinara sauce and dry white wine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the half-and-half cream, then 1/2 cup of the torn basil leaves, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
6
Add the sauce to the cooked penne in the pot, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
7
Transfer the creamy basil penne to a serving platter. Top with the crispy pancetta and sprinkle with the remaining basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Creamy Basil Tomato Penne with Crispy Pancetta.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses penne pasta.
How much penne pasta is required?
You will need 16 ounces of penne pasta.
How should the penne pasta be prepared?
The penne pasta should be cooked according to the package instructions, drained, and kept warm.
What type of meat is included in this dish?
The dish includes 3 ounces of chopped pancetta.
How long do I cook the pancetta?
Sauté the chopped pancetta for about 6 minutes or until it becomes crispy.
What should I do with the rendered fat from the pancetta?
You should leave the rendered fat in the pan after removing the crispy pancetta.
What type of oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
One minced garlic clove is used in the sauce.
How long should the garlic be sautéed?
The garlic should be sautéed for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
What is the base sauce for this recipe?
The base is a 26-ounce jar of marinara sauce.
What kind of wine is used for cooking the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of dry white wine.
How long should the marinara and wine simmer together?
The mixture should simmer for 4 minutes.
What ingredient provides the creamy texture?
The creamy texture comes from 1/2 cup of half-and-half cream.
When should I add the cream to the sauce?
Stir in the half-and-half cream after removing the skillet from the heat.
How much basil is needed in total?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of torn basil leaves.
How is the basil divided in the recipe?
Use 1/2 cup of basil leaves inside the sauce and save the remaining leaves for garnishing.
What are the measurements for salt and pepper?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How do I combine the pasta and sauce?
Add the sauce to the cooked penne in the pot and toss gently until every piece is coated.
How is the dish garnished before serving?
Top the penne with the crispy pancetta and sprinkle with the remaining basil leaves.
What is a recommended side dish for this pasta?
The recipe suggests serving it with a side of garlic bread.
What culinary category does this dish fall under?
This dish is categorized as Italian cuisine.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as a perfect one-dish meal.
What is the total count of ingredients used?
There are 10 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is both comforting and gourmet.
How should the basil leaves be prepared?
The basil leaves should be torn rather than chopped.
Can I use any other type of cream?
The recipe specifically calls for half-and-half cream for a creamy texture.
What heat level should I use to cook the pancetta?
The pancetta should be sautéed over medium heat.
Should the garlic be added to cold or hot oil?
The garlic should be added to the skillet after increasing the heat slightly following the pancetta removal.
What should I do if the garlic starts to burn?
The instructions caution to be careful not to burn it, as it only needs 30 seconds to become fragrant.