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Garlic Pasta With Pancetta and Peas

spaghetti with pancetta and peas along with a garnish of pecorino romano or parmesan

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Peas and pancetta make a delicious combination when added to garlicky pasta. A bit of pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese adds to the amazing flavor in this spaghetti dish!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 teaspoons salt for the cooking water plus more to taste, as needed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 ounces pancetta
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 ounce grated pecorino romano cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup pasta cooking water
  • 3/4 cup steamed peas
  • 2 teaspoons chopped parsley, for garnish, optional

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with about 3 quarts of water and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Place it over high heat.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat. When the oil is hot, add the pancetta to the pan and cook for about 8 minutes, until lightly browned and most of the fat is rendered. Add the garlic and both peppers and continue cooking until the garlic is softened and lightly browned.
  3. Cook the spaghetti to al dente, following the package directions.
  4. Reserve about 1/3 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the spaghetti.
  5. Transfer the spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta and stir to coat with the oil. Add the cheese and a few tablespoons of the pasta water and continue stirring and tossing. Add the peas and combine thoroughly. Taste and adjust the seasonings with more salt, if needed.
  6. Serve the pasta with extra grated cheese and a light sprinkle of parsley.