Creamy Penne with Pancetta and Asparagus
This luxurious pasta dish brings together crispy pancetta, tender asparagus, and perfectly al dente penne, all tossed in a light cream sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but elegant enough to impress guests.
🍴 Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 6 oz pancetta, diced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🔥 Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until just shy of al dente. Add asparagus during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Crisp the Pancetta:
While pasta cooks, sauté pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Sauté the Garlic:
Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to brown it.
Make the Sauce:
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Add reserved pasta water a bit at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
Combine Everything:
Add drained pasta and asparagus to the skillet along with the pancetta. Toss to coat evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a bit more Parmesan. Serve warm with crusty bread or a green salad.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Make the Best Penne with Pancetta and Asparagus
- 🍳 Nonstick Deep Skillet – Great for crisping pancetta and tossing pasta right in the pan.
- 🔪 Professional Chef’s Knife – Makes prepping asparagus and pancetta quick and precise.
- 🥄 Stainless Steel Pasta Spoon – Ideal for lifting and serving pasta without splatter.
- 🧀 Fine Grater for Parmesan – Grate cheese fresh for maximum flavor.
- 🍋 Citrus Zester and Peeler – Adds a bright finish with just a touch of lemon zest.
- 🍝 Pasta Strainer with Handle – Perfect for safely draining hot pasta and blanching veggies.
💡 Helpful Tip: To make it a little lighter, substitute half-and-half for the cream, or swap in turkey bacon for pancetta. This dish also works beautifully with peas or mushrooms in place of asparagus!