Penne with Pancetta, White Beans, and Rosemary

In this humble yet satisfying pasta dish, the combination of crispy pancetta, creamy cannellini beans, and fragrant rosemary creates a harmonious blend of flavors. Pancetta, a cured Italian bacon, lends its subtle, complex flavor to the dish, adding richness and depth. By browning the pancetta first and using its rendered fat to sauté the aromatics, we infuse the entire dish with its savory goodness. A simple pan sauce made with chicken broth and white wine creates a flavorful base, while cannellini beans add substance and creaminess. Minced rosemary adds a woodsy and herbal background that complements the other ingredients. The cooked pancetta is added just before serving to preserve its crispy texture. Although pancetta is our preferred choice, prosciutto or bacon can be substituted to suit your taste.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, cut into ¼-inch-wide strips
• 1 onion, chopped fine
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed
• 1 pound penne
• Salt and pepper
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup), plus extra for serving
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

PREPARATION:

1. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until well browned and crisp, about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. In the same skillet with the rendered pancetta fat, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened and golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, rosemary, and red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the chicken broth, white wine, and rinsed cannellini beans to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened about 10 minutes.
5. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta, stirring often, until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
6. Add the sauce, crisped pancetta, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley to the pot with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If needed, add some of the reserved cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
7. Serve the pasta with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Pancetta adds a unique flavor to this dish, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with prosciutto or bacon.

TIPS:

• When browning the pancetta, make sure to cook it until it is well-browned and crisp to maximize its flavor and texture.
• Adding a splash of reserved cooking water to the pasta sauce helps adjust the consistency and allows it to adhere better to the pasta.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 560
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Protein: 27g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sodium: 1210mg

YIELD:

This recipe serves 4-6 people.

In conclusion, this pasta dish featuring crispy pancetta, creamy cannellini beans, and aromatic rosemary is a humble yet flavorful option for pasta lovers. The combination of the cured pancetta’s subtle, complex flavors with the creamy cannellini beans creates a harmonious balance that satisfies both your taste buds and your appetite.

The crispy pancetta, rendered to perfection, adds a delightful crunch and a rich, savory quality to the dish. Its distinct flavor shines through and enhances the overall taste experience. The sautéed aromatics, including onions, garlic, and fragrant rosemary, provide a depth of flavor and aroma that complements the pancetta and beans beautifully.

The pan sauce made with chicken broth and white wine adds a deliciously savory element to the dish. It brings all the flavors together and creates a delightful coating that clings to each strand of pasta. The cannellini beans contribute a creamy texture and a satisfying heartiness that makes this dish a complete and fulfilling meal.

Served with al dente penne pasta, this recipe offers a comforting and satisfying dining experience. The grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty note, while the fresh parsley brings a vibrant touch of freshness and color.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this pancetta and cannellini bean pasta is a perfect choice. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that delivers flavor and texture. The combination of quality ingredients