How long it takes: 40 minutes Equipment you’ll need: skillet, pasta pot Servings: 8 This smoky tomato pasta fits into all those categories. It’s so flavorful with a really delightful tomato sauce but it’s still a classic bowl of pasta. Pair it with a green salad, topped with homemade ranch, a glass of red wine, and a loaf of crusty bread and you’ve got yourself a beautiful dinner. PS: Looking for a one pot pasta recipe? Try pasta Amatriciana (with a similar smoky pancetta and tomato sauce), creamy chicken spaghetti, pizza pasta, or Mediterranean chicken with couscous.
About This Pasta Recipe
Quick and easy. The recipe doesn’t have many ingredients and you can cook it all up in about the time it takes to boil a pot of pasta. Allows the pasta to shine. Choose a good quality pasta because it really makes a difference in this simple dish. It’s a nice opportunity to try a more unique pasta; think beyond plain spaghetti. Simple but versatile. Sometimes the most simple things are the best, aren’t they? This pasta is so easy but so delicious and there are a lot of fun things you can do with it.
How To Make This Pasta Recipe
Prep the veggies. Wash and cut the onions, carrots, and bell pepper finely. We’re not talking about bite-sized or one inch chunks; you’ll want about a quarter inch dice. Brown the pancetta. Crisp up a package of diced pancetta in a skillet. That will take about ten minutes. Transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels but reserve most of the rendered fat. Cook the pasta. Now put a big pot of water on the stove over high heat. When it comes to a boil, stir in your pasta and set the timer. Make the tomato sauce. While the pasta is cooking, you’ll create a simple sauce with canned tomatoes, and the diced vegetables you prepped. The sauce is seasoned with smoked paprika which gives it a warm cozy feel and so much flavor. Take five to seven minutes to sauté the veggies and another 10 minutes to simmer the sauce once you add the tomatoes. Combine. When the pasta is done cooking, drain it but reserve a cup or so of pasta water. You’ll stir some of that starchy water into your sauce as needed to create just the right consistency.. Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding pasta water as needed. Finish up with the crisp pancetta and fresh green parsley. Dinner is ready! This pasta dish can be served on its own or as a side dish.
What to serve with this pasta
Crusty bread (try this no-knead Dutch oven bread) with Italian dipping oil Chive bread or Italian herb and cheese pull-apart bread. Green salad with homemade healthy ranch dressing or homemade Italian dressing. Make the salad with crisp green romaine lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, and homemade croutons. A classic salad like this arugula salad is a good choice too. It has an amazing lemon basil vinaigrette. Don’t forget dessert! Try a no-bake chocolate tart.
Recipe Variations
There are a few ways to tweak this recipe to make it your own.
Add cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan or mozzarella cheese before serving. Add more vegetables. I like the combo of red bell peppers, carrots, and onion, but this sauce is also great with mushrooms, spinach, or kale. Increase or decrease the smokiness. You can add as much or as little smoked paprika as you’d like. Just remember you can always add more but you can’t take it out! Add spiciness. Increase the spice level with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Minced garlic is really great, too. Have fresh tomatoes? If you have garden-fresh tomatoes you’d like to use, try my fresh tomato pasta. It’s a perfect summer time recipe because the sauce isn’t cooked.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta, covered, in the refrigerator for up to four days. Freeze: This pasta freezes well, too. Store it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It will keep for 3 months. Reheat: For individual portions, microwave until warmed through. Larger portions can be reheated in a skillet. Add a bit of water if the pasta seems dry. Pasta continues to absorb liquid like a sponge. This post was originally a guest post for my dear friend Brandy of Nutmeg Nanny. Click here to see it! Interested in a weekly meal plan that includes this recipe? Take a look at Meal Plan #76. You’ll find a wholesome recipe for each weekday plus a categorized grocery list. We add a new meal plan weekly. Note: This post, recipe & photos were updated October, 2019.
