Pancetta and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is made with simple ingredients, fresh spices, olive oil and pancetta. Of course if you are looking for a vegetarian or vegan dish then just leave it out. This less than 30 minute dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or even fancy enough for guests!

A while ago I was talking to my sister-in-law and she told me about a delicious yeast-free, Savory Bread made with Sun-Dried Tomatoes that she picked up at the local bakery.

She described the bread in such a way that I knew I had to make it. And I did. And it was every bit as good as she said it was. And since I had an excess of tomatoes, that is how this pasta recipe came about.

How to make Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

In a large pan add oil, chopped pancetta and a little water, cook covered until water evaporates and pancetta is golden.While the pancetta is cooking, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.

To the pan with the pancetta add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and the remaining ingredients. Cook for about 1-2 minutes.

Raise the heat to high, add the pasta and a little pasta water tossing continually cook for about 30-45 seconds. Serve immediately with freshly chopped basil or Italian parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. 

Sun-Dried Tomatoes are one of those things that I make in the summer with some of our garden fresh tomatoes. I usually dry them in the oven. Then I toss them with some olive oil, and spices. This is one of the best appetizers. Serve them with some crusty Italian bread, a little white wine and life is good!

I never really thought about making enough for jarring. But I might have to change that. I have been chopping and slicing those sun-dried tomatoes and we have been loving it.

Can I use store-bought?

Yes you can use store-bought, be sure to buy them stored in oil. There is no need to rinse, just drain them of any excess oil and chop or leave whole depending on the recipe.

What is the difference between pancetta and bacon?

Pancetta is a cured meat that is done with salt and sometimes spices are added. Bacon on the other hand is also cured, but it also smoked after it has been cured. For that reason if you can find pancetta then that is the better choice, although if no pancetta is found then yes bacon is a good substitute. And yes you can leave it out completely if you prefer!

What can I substitute for Pancetta?

If pancetta or bacon aren’t your thing then you could substitute with shrimp, chopped chicken, pork or even salmon.

I never realized just how good they really were until of course when I landed in Italy. I can tell you, I have make this Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomatoes quite often. It is a really quick pasta dish that you can have on the table in 25 minutes. Buon Appetito!

Updated from February 28, 2019.