Colorful Pasta with Pancetta and Peppers Recipe

Are you in search of a dish that will transport you to the sunny lands of Italy but with a touch of originality? This curly short pasta paired with peppers and pancetta could be exactly what you’re looking for. An explosion of colors and flavors that will bring joy to your kitchen.

I still remember when my grandmother used to prepare this dish on a summer Sunday: the aroma of sautéed peppers would fill the house, so inviting. And now it’s your turn to create those same happy memories. With simple ingredients like curly pasta, crispy pancetta, sweet strips of pepper, and a generous sprinkle of grated pecorino, this dish is perfect for a laid-back lunch or a festive dinner.

Every bite will be a perfect balance of the sweetness of the peppers, the bold flavor of the pancetta, and the spicy kick from the chili. And if you want to add that personal twist – a handful of fresh arugula or some toasted pine nuts – they will make every forkful unforgettable. Get ready to delight your senses with this colorful dish!

Recipe Notes

• EASE: Easy and quick to prepare in just 35 minutes.
• PROS: Bursting with authentic Italian colors and flavors.
• CONS: Requires attention when cooking the bacon to avoid it becoming too crispy.
• PREPARATION: Sauté, brown, cook the pasta, and toss with the dressing.
• NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 450 calories per serving. Perfect as a side or main dish.

Notes on the recipe’s ingredients

• Gramigna Pasta: This short pasta hails from Emilia-Romagna and is perfect for hearty sauces.
• Bell Peppers: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, these add color and flavor.
• Pancetta: It brings a salty kick and a satisfying crunch to the dish.
• Pecorino Cheese: With its bold flavor, it adds creaminess and richness to the dish.

Nutritional Aspects

This colorful and flavorful dish, the Twirly Pasta with Peppers and Pancetta, not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers several nutritional benefits. Here are a few key points:

• Twirly pasta: a great source of complex carbohydrates for long-lasting energy.
• Peppers: packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, great for boosting the immune system.
• Pancetta: provides proteins and fats for prolonged satiety.
• Pecorino cheese: supplies calcium and proteins, important for bones and muscles.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: contains beneficial monounsaturated fats for the heart.
• Chili pepper: stimulates metabolism due to the presence of capsaicin.

Recipe for Gramigna with Peppers and Pancetta

The recipe for Gramigna with Peppers and Pancetta is a colorful and flavorful dish, perfect as both a side dish and a main course. A mix of authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist by adding fresh arugula and toasted pine nuts.

Servings 4

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 200 g gramigna
• 1 bell pepper
• 100 g pecorino cheese
• 50 g pancetta
• 1/2 onion
• 1 chili pepper clove of
• q.b. olive oil extra-virgin
• q.b. salt

Instructions

• Start by finely chopping half an onion and a chili pepper (removing the seeds if you prefer a less spicy flavor).
• Cut the pancetta into thin strips and the pepper into julienne (long, thin strips).
• Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan and sauté the onion and chili pepper until they become translucent.
• Add the pancetta to the pan and let it brown until crispy.
• Incorporate the pepper cut into julienne into the pan with the pancetta, mix well, and cook for about 10 minutes until it softens.
• Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gramigna according to the package instructions, until al dente.
• Drain the pasta, saving some of the cooking water, and toss it in the pan with the prepared seasoning, adding some of the cooking water to cream if necessary.
• Serve hot, generously sprinkled with grated pecorino cheese.

Notes

To add a unique touch to the recipe, try adding a handful of fresh arugula just before serving for a pungent contrast that will complement the sweetness of the peppers and the rich flavor of the pancetta. Additionally, you can toast some pine nuts in a separate pan and sprinkle them over the finished dish to add crunchiness.

Author: Tips4Food

Calories: 450kcal

Course: First Course

Keyword: Authentic flavor, Chili pepper, Gramigna, Italian recipe, Modern twist, onion, Pancetta, Pecorino cheese, Peppers, Pine nuts, Rocket

Variations of Gramigna Pasta with Peppers and Pancetta

Put your own spin on your favorite recipe!

• Swap out the pancetta for guanciale for a richer flavor.
• Replace the pecorino cheese with parmesan for a milder taste.
• Add halved cherry tomatoes for a touch of freshness.
• Try adding pitted black olives for a Mediterranean twist.

FAQs about the Recipe

If you have any doubts about making the Creamy Pasta with Roasted Peppers and Bacon, here are the answers to the most common questions.

How can I make the recipe vegetarian?

You can swap the bacon with smoked tofu cubes for a similar flavor.

What can I use instead of pecorino cheese?

You can replace the pecorino cheese with grana or parmesan cheese for a different taste.

How can I make the recipe spicy?

Add chopped fresh chili or chili powder during cooking for an extra spicy kick.

How can I store the leftovers?

The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.