Parmesan Cream Pancetta Pasta

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This Parmesan cream pancetta pasta is simple and flavorful made with a creamy Parmigiano sauce, salty pancetta and topped with freshly grated Parmigiano cheese. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!

The parmesan pancetta pasta in a silver pan.

Other easy pasta recipes we love with pancetta include pancetta and pesto pasta, creamy pancetta baked macaroni and pancetta with broccoli pasta.

Whether you need a simple weeknight meal or a pasta dish that will impress guests, this Parmesan cream pancetta pasta is a classic that you can make year round. It’s restaurant quality flavor but with minimal effort!

It uses my favorite basic Parmesan cream sauce which I love to use to make any pasta dish creamy then adds pancetta which I love to use in other favorites like my pancetta and sun-dried tomato pasta recipe. It’s satisfying, delicious plus quick and easy!

Why I Love This Creamy Parmigiano Pasta with Pancetta

Family friendly: With a creamy sauce and salty, savory flavors from the pancetta this creamy pasta with pancetta is one the whole family will love!
Quick and easy: Make the Parmesan cream sauce ahead of time and this pasta dish can be ready and on the table in less than 20 minutes.

Recipe Ingredients

Parmesan cream pasta sauce: I use my homemade parmesan cream, it is essential to this recipe.
Whole milk: I like whole milk as the heat plus Parmesan cheese will thicken the sauce. You can use cream and milk if you would like.
Pancetta: Pancetta, aka Italian bacon, will add the best taste but bacon works in a pinch.
Salt: Adjust and taste to taste. The right amount of salt can really make the pasta dish!
Black pepper: Again adjust to taste.
Olive oil: I like to use extra virgin olive oil for sautèing the pancetta.
Pasta water: This will make the pasta so creamy! Don’t toss the salted pasta water when it is done.
Pasta: There is no hard rule here, but I love to use a long pasta with this recipe although any dried pasta could be used.
Freshly grated parmigiano: Finely grated parmigiano reggiano from a block. The better the quality of cheese, the better tasting the pasta. It may sound cliche but it is true.

What is authentic Parmigiano?

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is authentic or DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta which means Protected Designation of Origin), and Parmesan cheese is just an imitation of Parmigiano Reggiano. Reggiano is always made in Italy, while Parmesan can be made anywhere, there are no restrictions on using the name Parmesan. And don’t forget a less expensive but also a DOP choice is Parmigiano Grana Padano.

How to Make Parmesan Cream Pancetta Pasta

To start, in a large pot of salty water cook the pasta al dente.

Next, in a medium bowl whisk together the Parmesan cream sauce, milk and pasta water.

In a large skillet add the olive oil and diced pancetta then cook on medium until lightly browned but tender.

The pancetta in the pan before and after cooked.

Add the Parmesan cream mixture to the crispy pancetta, stir to combine then heat until hot.

The cream sauce and pancetta in the pan.

Add the drained cooked pasta plus extra pasta water then heat on high tossing continuously for 60 seconds. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve the pancetta pasta recipe.

tips and variations

Creamy pasta with peas and pancetta: Peas and pancetta are a classic combination! Add fresh peas or frozen peas after you add the pasta water, toss and enjoy your easy pasta recipe.
Lemon and arugula: If you would like to add some bright color to the dish before serving add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some zesty arugula.
Garlic: Add a whole garlic clove when sauteing the pancetta for a mild garlic flavor. Discard before adding the cream sauce.
Pasta portions: I like to plan on 2 ounces of dry pasta per person. You can weigh your pasta for the perfect portions if you would like.
Save the pasta water: Pasta water is starchy and is great to loosen the sauce or make it more creamy if desired.
Al dente pasta: This means the pasta is firm and will have a bite. I often cook it one less minute than the package states. While we are talking about cooking pasta, remember salted water is best!

recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the pancetta?

Yes, bacon or guanciale would be the next best to use if you are unable to find savory pancetta. While pancetta is similar to bacon they are a bit different, bacon has more of a smoky taste while pancetta is a bit more rich in taste.

What type of pasta shape is best to use in this recipe?

I prefer to use a long pasta shape such as spaghetti, pappardelle, fettuccine or linguini. If you have added any vegetables like peas, though, you may want to use a shorter pasta shape like fusilli or penne.

Can I use cream instead of milk in this pasta recipe?

I find that using only heavy cream in this creamy pancetta pasta dish makes it a bit too thick, especially since we are adding Parmesan cream sauce. Whole milk or a single cream or light cream works best. If you only have heavy cream on hand try thinning it out with some pasta water.

How to store leftovers?

Store leftovers of this pasta with pancetta cream sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of cream, milk or water to loosen the pasta. I don’t recommend freezing the pasta as the cream sauce will separate.

More Creamy Pasta Recipes

This Parmesan Cream Pancetta Pasta is the perfect combination of a rich, creamy parmigiano sauce, crispy pancetta, and plenty of savory Parmesan flavour in every bite. It’s an easy delicious meal, that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even special occasions! It’s sure to become a favorite with family and friends. Buon Appetito!