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Best Easy Penne con Pancetta e Piselli Recipe

Name: Best Easy Penne con Pancetta e Piselli Recipe
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 310 g
Ingredients: penne pasta 12 oz; pancetta 6 oz; peas 1 cup; heavy cream 1 cup; Parmesan cheese 0.5 cup; olive oil 2 tbsp; salt 0.5 tsp; black pepper 0.25 tsp

Penne with crispy pancetta and sweet peas in a light cream sauce hits every comfort note. This mediterranean family dish balances protein and vegetables for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 570 kcal

#mediterranean #high protein

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

penne pasta 12 oz
pancetta 6 oz
peas 1 cup
heavy cream 1 cup
Parmesan cheese 0.5 cup

Seasonings/Sauce

olive oil 2 tbsp
salt 0.5 tsp
black pepper 0.25 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 66 g 46%

Protein 21 g 15%

Fat 23 g 39%

Serving size 310g

Cooking steps

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook the penne pasta until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.
2

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and sauté until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
3

Add peas to the skillet and continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to gently warm and soften them.
4

Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and reserved pasta water, allowing the sauce to gently simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5

Add the drained penne to the skillet, toss with Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to fully coat the pasta and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately while hot.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The core ingredient is pancetta, which delivers a savory depth and crispy texture. Paired with penne pasta and sweet peas, these three define the dish’s personality and create balance in both flavor and texture.

Q. What’s the most important cooking point to avoid sogginess?

Cooking the penne pasta just until al dente is crucial—overcooking can lead to a mushy texture. Additionally, simmering the cream sauce gently and tossing the pasta immediately ensures a silky, not watery, finish.

Q. How can I keep the pancetta crispy?

Cook the pancetta in hot olive oil and spread it evenly in the skillet. Allow it to crisp without overcrowding—if needed, cook in batches. Once golden, remove from heat and combine with other ingredients just before serving to preserve its crunch.

Q. What’s the nutrition breakdown per serving?

Each 310g serving provides about 570 kcal, with 66g carbohydrates (46%), 21g protein (15%), and 23g fat (39%). The balance of protein, carbs, and fat fits a family Mediterranean meal profile.

Q. Is this recipe suitable for a high protein Mediterranean diet?

Yes, it is. Each serving contains 21g of protein and is centered on vegetables, olive oil, and whole ingredients, making it well-aligned with Mediterranean and high protein dietary goals.

Best Easy Penne con Pancetta e Piselli Recipe

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