Craving a delicious, yet effortlessly achievable weeknight dinner? Look no further than this incredibly simple Pancetta & Garlic Linguine recipe, inspired by the culinary queen herself, Nigella Lawson. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this dish is ready in a mere 20 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings. The rich, salty pancetta perfectly complements the fragrant garlic and perfectly cooked linguine, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is a testament to the fact that incredible food doesn't require hours in the kitchen.
Using just a handful of readily available ingredients, you'll create a pasta dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. The vibrant flavors and satisfying texture will quickly become a family favorite. Ready to elevate your weeknight meal game? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step process to create this delectable Pancetta & Garlic Linguine.
Tools Needed
- oven
- pan
- bowl
Ingredients
- Linguine pasta
- Pancetta: half a packet
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Parsley
- Black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pancetta
- Cut off the rind of the pancetta. If you leave the rind on, it will release fat and juices into the dish.
- Cut the pancetta into small pieces. You can use your hands to roughly chop it.
- Place the pancetta on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- Once the pancetta is cooked, remove it from the oven. Remove any excess fat.
Step 2. Cook the Pasta and Garlic
- Boil salted water in a pan. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions (usually about 11 minutes).
- While the pasta cooks, chop some garlic. Infuse it with olive oil if desired (or just use plain olive oil).
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the pan with the garlic oil.
- Add the crispy pancetta to the pasta and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and black pepper.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Salted pasta water boils faster than unsalted water.
- You can use other types of bacon instead of pancetta.
- The pancetta pieces can be quite large, making it unnecessary to chop them finely.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the pancetta?
Yes! Bacon or even thinly sliced prosciutto will work well as substitutes. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
2. What kind of linguine should I use?
Any good quality dried linguine will do. There's no need for anything fancy.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! A handful of cherry tomatoes or some wilted spinach would be a great addition towards the end of cooking.
This simple yet satisfying Pancetta & Garlic Linguine recipe proves that delicious weeknight dinners don't have to be complicated. Enjoy the ease and incredible flavor of this quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. So go ahead, treat yourself – you deserve it!