If you're craving a dish that embodies the heart and soul of Italian cuisine, look no further than Bucatini with Pancetta, Tomatoes, and Onion! This delightful pasta dish combines the perfect balance of savory pancetta, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic onions, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a rustic Italian kitchen. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a meal that's not only satisfying but also impressively delicious. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let's dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bucatini pasta
- 4 ounces pancetta, diced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 ounces of bucatini pasta, 4 ounces of diced pancetta, 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bucatini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until it becomes crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the pancetta is crispy, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the bucatini is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the drained bucatini to the skillet with the pancetta and tomato mixture. Toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve the bucatini hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Bucatini with Pancetta, Tomatoes, and Onion!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to salt your pasta water generously; it should taste like the sea! This enhances the flavor of the bucatini as it cooks. Aim for al dente texture for the best bite.
- Crispy Pancetta: For the crispiest pancetta, ensure your skillet is hot before adding it. Stir occasionally to achieve even crispiness without burning.
- Flavor Boost: Don't skip the reserved pasta water! Adding it gradually helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency and ensures the sauce clings beautifully to the bucatini.
- Fresh Basil: Use fresh basil for a fragrant finish. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat!
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
