Tuscan Tomato and Onion Pasta with Pancetta
This Tuscan-inspired pasta sauce is a delightful marriage of rich, savory pancetta and sweet, caramelized onions, finished with the warmth of basil and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. This hearty dish can easily be adapted with bacon, making it a perfect choice when you're pressed for time and unexpected company arrives. Its robust flavors and creamy texture are sure to make it a new favorite in your recipe collection.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
6 tablespoons (none)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (none)
pancetta or bacon
2 ounces (diced)
onions
3 (thinly sliced)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
canned tomatoes
1 pound (crushed)
fresh basil leaves
8 leaves (torn)
parmesan cheese
to taste (grated)
Instructions
1
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and unsalted butter. Allow them to melt together until the mixture begins to bubble slightly.
2
Add the pancetta (or bacon) pieces to the skillet and cook until they start to crisp. Add the thinly sliced onions and stir occasionally until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
3
Stir in the red pepper flakes and allow the heat to release the spice for about 30 seconds. Then, add the canned tomatoes, crushing them with your hands or a spoon as you add them to the skillet.
4
Tear the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them into the sauce. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for roughly 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and all components are well combined.
5
While the sauce is simmering, cook 1 pound of bucatini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water.
6
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7
Toss everything well and serve hot, generously sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of Tuscan Tomato and Onion Pasta with Pancetta?
This dish features a marriage of rich, savory pancetta and sweet, caramelized onions, balanced by the warmth of fresh basil and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes.
Can I substitute the pancetta in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by using bacon instead of pancetta if you are pressed for time or prefer the flavor.
How many onions are needed for this pasta sauce?
The recipe calls for three onions, which should be thinly sliced before cooking.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
One pound of bucatini pasta is recommended for this specific recipe.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How long should I cook the onions?
The onions should be cooked until they turn golden brown and caramelized, which typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses one pound of canned tomatoes, which are crushed by hand or with a spoon as they are added to the skillet.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for roughly 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken.
What is the purpose of adding reserved pasta water?
Reserved pasta water is used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it becomes too thick when combined with the cooked pasta.
What cheese is suggested for serving?
The dish should be served with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this dish considered spicy?
It has a hint of spice from 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but it is generally savory rather than hot.
What fats are used to start the sauce?
The recipe begins by melting 6 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter together.
How should the fresh basil be prepared?
The fresh basil leaves should be torn before being sprinkled into the simmering sauce.
Can this recipe be made quickly for unexpected guests?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy weeknight meal, making it ideal for when you have unexpected company.
Is the pancetta cooked until crispy?
Yes, the diced pancetta or bacon should be cooked until it starts to crisp before adding the onions.
Do I need to salt the sauce?
The recipe suggests adding a pinch of salt while the sauce is simmering to enhance the overall flavors.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The bucatini should be cooked in a large pot of salted boiling water until it is al dente.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil is specified for the best flavor and aroma, dried could be used in a pinch, though the taste profile will change slightly.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The sauce has a robust flavor and a creamy texture resulting from the combination of fats, caramelized onions, and crushed tomatoes.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
No, this specific version of the recipe focuses on onions and basil for flavor rather than garlic.
What is the preparation method for the onions?
The onions should be thinly sliced to ensure they caramelize properly within the 8-10 minute window.
When should the red pepper flakes be added?
Add them after the onions have caramelized, allowing them to heat for about 30 seconds to release their spice.
How much pancetta do I need?
The recipe requires 2 ounces of diced pancetta or bacon.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
As written, it is not vegetarian because it contains pancetta, but it could be modified by omitting the meat.
How much butter is used?
Two tablespoons of unsalted butter are used in the base of the sauce.
Should the tomatoes be drained?
The recipe does not specify draining; the tomatoes and their juices are usually added and crushed to form the base of the sauce.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe, excluding the pasta itself.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter; if using salted, you may want to reduce the additional salt added later.
What makes this dish 'Tuscan-inspired'?
The combination of olive oil, tomatoes, onions, and simple herbs like basil are characteristic of Tuscan culinary traditions.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of olive oil.