Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked orchiette pasta, where crispy pancetta meets sweet peas and fragrant herbs in a dance of Italian culinary magic. This isn't just another pasta dish—it's a quick, elegant meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience you can create in your own kitchen in just 35 minutes. Get ready to impress your dinner guests and satisfy your craving for a truly memorable Italian feast!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz orchiette pasta
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add orchiette pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crispy and golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add fresh or frozen peas to the pancetta and sauté for 2-3 minutes until peas are bright green and heated through.
- Drain the cooked pasta and transfer directly into the skillet with pancetta and peas. Toss gently to combine.
- If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to create a light, silky sauce.
- Chop fresh herbs finely - mixing parsley and basil for maximum flavor complexity.
- Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs over the pasta.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss to distribute herbs and cheese evenly.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional herbs and Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Salt is Key: Use generously salted water when cooking pasta to ensure deep flavor from the start.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some starchy cooking water to help create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Crisp Your Pancetta: Cook pancetta until golden brown for maximum flavor and texture.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Chop herbs just before adding to preserve their vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Don't Overcook Peas: Sauté them briefly to maintain their bright color and sweet taste.
- Toss Gently: Mix pasta with sauce carefully to prevent breaking the delicate orchiette shape.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet to the plate.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
