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Pasta Alla Zozzona

Pasta Alla Zozzona
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Pasta Alla Zozzona is a hearty and vibrant Italian pasta dish combining sturdy pasta, savory cured meats, creamy sauce, and fresh herbs to create bold, comforting flavors. Perfectly balanced with rich textures and simple ingredients, this rustic recipe is easy to prepare and adaptable for various dietary preferences, bringing authentic Italian soul to your dining table.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 400g rigatoni or penne pasta

Cured Meats

  • 150g pancetta or guanciale, diced

Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced

Cheese

  • 100g Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Herbs

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Optional Garnishes

  • Extra grated Pecorino Romano
  • Cracked black pepper
  • Whole basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the pancetta or guanciale into small cubes, mince garlic, finely dice onions, grate the cheese, and wash and chop the fresh herbs.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Sauté the Meats and Aromatics: In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant to form the sauce base.
  4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Lower the heat and stir in the fresh tomato sauce and cream. Let the mixture meld together gently until the sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly to coat it evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it and help it cling to the pasta.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in most of the grated cheese and chopped fresh herbs, reserving some for garnish. Mix well until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.

Notes

  • Use quality fresh cheese and cured meats for the best flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture ensures the perfect bite and holds up with the hearty sauce.
  • Add cream gradually to achieve richness without overpowering the tomato base.
  • Stir in fresh herbs off the heat to preserve their brightness and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta Alla Zozzona, Italian pasta recipe, creamy pasta, pancetta pasta, savory pasta, rustic Italian dish, quick pasta recipe

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/pasta-alla-zozzona/