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Creamy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Pancetta

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A comforting and easy one-pan pasta dish featuring creamy garlic parmesan sauce and crispy pancetta, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta (can substitute gluten-free pasta)
  • 6 ounces diced pancetta (or thick-cut bacon as a substitute)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Optional add-ins: fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, roasted cauliflower

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Lower heat to medium-low. Add 4 tablespoons butter to the pancetta fat in the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom.
  4. Bring liquid to a gentle boil, then add pasta, pushing it down so it’s submerged. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, about 12-15 minutes or according to pasta package instructions, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to reach desired consistency.
  6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Fold crispy pancetta back into the pan, reserving some for garnish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks; if the liquid reduces too quickly before pasta is tender, add more broth or water. Use freshly grated parmesan for best melt and flavor. Crisp pancetta separately to maintain texture. For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added broth or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, pancetta pasta, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, crispy pancetta, comfort food

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/creamy-one-pan-garlic-parmesan-pasta-recipe-easy-and-delicious-with-crispy-pancetta/