Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked fettuccine, where crispy pancetta dances with vibrant asparagus and sweet peas, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. This isn't just another pasta dish – it's a culinary adventure that combines rustic elegance with simple, fresh ingredients that will make your taste buds sing and your dinner guests beg for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While water is heating, prepare your ingredients: dice pancetta into small cubes, chop asparagus into 1-inch pieces, and measure out peas and olive oil.
- Add fettuccine to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crispy and golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add chopped asparagus to the pancetta and sauté for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Stir in peas and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the fettuccine.
- Add cooked fettuccine directly to the skillet with pancetta, asparagus, and peas. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Tips
- Salt is your secret weapon: Make sure your pasta water is as salty as the sea to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Timing is crucial: Cook the pancetta until it's perfectly crispy, but be careful not to burn it. Golden brown is your goal.
- Save that pasta water! The starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky, smooth sauce that helps everything come together beautifully.
- Don't overcook your vegetables: Asparagus and peas should remain bright and crisp, maintaining their vibrant color and texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is non-negotiable – pre-grated cheese simply can't compare to the rich, nutty flavor of freshly grated cheese.
- For a vegetarian version, swap pancetta with crispy mushrooms or smoked tofu to maintain that umami depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
