Pancetta adds a rich, savory flavor to many dishes. This Italian-style bacon brings depth and saltiness that can elevate simple meals.
From pasta to vegetables, pancetta works well in a variety of recipes.
You’ll find 15 tasty ways to use pancetta in this collection of recipes. These dishes range from quick weeknight dinners to more elaborate meals for special occasions.
Whether you’re new to cooking with pancetta or looking for fresh ideas, these recipes will inspire you to try something new in the kitchen.
1. Pancetta Carbonara
Pancetta carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that’s quick and easy to make. You’ll need spaghetti, pancetta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
Start by cooking the spaghetti until al dente. While it’s cooking, crisp up diced pancetta in a skillet.
In a bowl, whisk eggs with grated Parmesan.
Once the pasta is done, drain it but save some cooking water. Toss the hot pasta with the crispy pancetta.
Then quickly mix in the egg and cheese mixture.
The residual heat from the pasta cooks the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Finish with freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.
2. Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus
You can make a tasty appetizer by wrapping asparagus spears with thin slices of pancetta. This dish combines the salty, smoky flavor of pancetta with the fresh, green taste of asparagus.
To prepare, wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of pancetta. Place them in a baking dish or on a sheet pan.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.
Roast the wrapped asparagus in a hot oven for about 12-15 minutes. The pancetta will become crispy and the asparagus will turn tender.
For extra flavor, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
This simple recipe works well as a side dish or as part of a brunch spread. It’s quick to make and looks impressive on the plate.
3. Pancetta and Leek Risotto
Pancetta and leek risotto is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for two. You’ll start by cooking crispy pancetta in a pan. Then, sauté leeks and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Add rice to the pan, letting it toast slightly. Pour in some white wine and stir until absorbed.
Gradually add warm chicken broth, stirring often.
The risotto is done when creamy and the rice is tender. Mix in butter and Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Top with the crispy pancetta and fresh thyme.
This comforting meal combines the saltiness of pancetta with the mild, onion-like taste of leeks. It’s a great option for a cozy dinner at home.
4. Pancetta Stuffed Mushrooms
Pancetta stuffed mushrooms are a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You’ll need mushroom caps, pancetta, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs.
Cook the pancetta until crispy. Mix it with breadcrumbs, cheese, and chopped mushroom stems.
Stuff this mixture into the mushroom caps.
Bake the stuffed mushrooms at 400°F for about 10 minutes. They’re done when the tops are golden and the mushrooms are tender.
These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a side dish. The salty pancetta pairs well with the earthy mushrooms and creamy cheese.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta is a tasty side dish. You start by preheating your oven to 400°F.
Cut the Brussels sprouts in half and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet.
Add diced pancetta to the pan with the sprouts. Roast for about 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through.
The Brussels sprouts will become tender and lightly charred. The pancetta will turn crisp and golden brown.
For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic or drizzle with balsamic syrup before serving. This dish combines the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts with the salty richness of pancetta.
6. Pancetta Pizza with Goat Cheese
Pancetta pizza with goat cheese is a tasty twist on classic pizza. You can make this at home easily.
Start with a pizza dough and spread marinara sauce on top. Cook pancetta cubes until crispy and sprinkle them over the sauce.
Add crumbled goat cheese and shredded mozzarella.
For extra flavor, try caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms.
Bake the pizza in a hot oven until the crust is golden and the cheese melts. The tangy goat cheese pairs well with the salty pancetta.
This pizza is great for a casual dinner or party. You can customize it with your favorite toppings too.
7. Pancetta and Pea Pasta
This quick and tasty pasta dish combines crispy pancetta with sweet green peas. You can make it in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Start by frying diced pancetta until it’s golden and crispy. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Then toss in frozen or fresh peas.
Cook your pasta of choice until al dente. Orecchiette or shell shapes work well to catch the peas and sauce.
Mix the cooked pasta with the pancetta and peas.
For a creamy version, stir in some heavy cream or parmesan cheese. Finish with black pepper and extra cheese on top if you like.
8. Pancetta and Egg Breakfast Muffins
Get ready for a tasty breakfast treat with pancetta and egg muffins. These savory bites are perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches.
To make them, start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with pancetta slices, creating a cup-like shape.
Crack an egg into each pancetta cup. You can add extras like cheese, spinach, or herbs for more flavor.
Bake the muffins for about 15 minutes until the eggs are set and the pancetta is crispy. Let them cool slightly before removing from the tin.
These muffins are high in protein and low in carbs, making them a filling breakfast option. You can make a batch ahead of time and reheat them for quick meals during the week.
9. Pancetta-Wrapped Scallops
Pancetta-wrapped scallops are a tasty appetizer that combines seafood and pork. You’ll need fresh scallops and thinly sliced pancetta.
Wrap each scallop with a piece of pancetta. Secure with toothpicks if needed. Place them on a baking sheet.
Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes. The pancetta should be crispy and the scallops firm.
For extra flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes before cooking.
You can also grill these for about 5 minutes, turning once. A squeeze of lemon juice and some chopped chives make a nice finishing touch.
10. Pancetta and Potato Chowder
This hearty soup combines crispy pancetta with creamy potatoes. Start by cooking diced pancetta until it’s crisp and golden.
Set the pancetta aside and sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in the flavorful fat.
Add diced potatoes and chicken broth, then simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in some cream and corn for extra richness and texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Top each bowl with the crispy pancetta bits and some chopped scallions.
This comforting chowder is perfect for cold days and easy to make in one pot.
11. Pancetta and Tomato Salad
This salad combines crispy pancetta with juicy tomatoes for a delicious mix of flavors and textures. Start by cooking pancetta slices in the oven until they’re crisp and golden.
While the pancetta cools, slice fresh tomatoes and mix them with leafy greens in a large bowl.
Crumble the cooled pancetta over the salad.
For dressing, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving.
This simple yet tasty dish makes a great light lunch or side. The salty pancetta pairs perfectly with the sweet tomatoes and tangy dressing.
12. Pancetta and Sage Butternut Squash
This tasty dish blends savory pancetta with sweet butternut squash and aromatic sage. It’s a perfect fall comfort food that’s easy to make.
Start by roasting cubed butternut squash in the oven until tender. While it cooks, crisp up diced pancetta in a pan on the stove.
Add fresh sage leaves to the pan with the pancetta for the last minute of cooking. The sage will become crispy and fragrant.
Toss the roasted squash with the pancetta and sage mixture. The combination of flavors and textures is delicious.
You can serve this as a side dish or mix it into pasta for a hearty meal.
13. Pancetta-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Pancetta-wrapped chicken breasts are a tasty and elegant dish. You can make them easily at home for a special dinner.
Start by seasoning chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and herbs. Wrap each breast with thin slices of pancetta.
Place the wrapped chicken in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and add garlic cloves for extra flavor.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. The pancetta will become crispy and the chicken will stay juicy.
For a fancier version, stuff the chicken with cheese or spinach before wrapping. You can also add a wine sauce for extra richness.
14. Spaghetti with Pancetta and Lemon
Spaghetti with pancetta and lemon is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up on busy weeknights.
Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. While it cooks, fry diced pancetta in a skillet until crispy.
In a large bowl, mix lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the hot pasta and pancetta to the bowl.
Toss everything together, adding some pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for extra flavor.
This dish combines the salty taste of pancetta with the bright, zesty notes of lemon for a balanced and satisfying pasta meal.
15. Pancetta and Brussels Sprouts Hash
This tasty dish combines crispy pancetta with Brussels sprouts for a flavorful hash. Start by cooking pancetta in a pan until it’s crisp.
Add shallots and garlic, then toss in halved Brussels sprouts.
Cook everything together until the sprouts are tender and lightly browned.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end.
This hash makes a great side dish or light meal. You can even top it with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast option.
Understanding Pancetta
Pancetta is a flavorful Italian cured meat that adds richness to many dishes. It’s a versatile ingredient you can use in various ways to boost your cooking.
What Is Pancetta?
Pancetta is pork belly that’s cured with salt and spices. It’s not smoked like bacon. The curing process takes several weeks. During this time, the meat absorbs the flavors of the spices.
You can find pancetta in two main forms:
- Rolled (arrotolata): A cylinder shape, often sliced thin for sandwiches or appetizers.
- Flat (stesa): A slab form, usually diced for cooking.
Pancetta has a salty, slightly sweet taste. It’s fatty and rich, adding depth to many recipes.
Pancetta Versus Bacon
While pancetta and bacon both come from pork belly, they have key differences:
- Curing: Pancetta is only cured, while bacon is cured and smoked.
- Flavor: Pancetta has a pure pork taste. Bacon has a smoky flavor.
- Texture: Pancetta is softer and chewier. Bacon becomes crispy when cooked.
- Use: You can eat pancetta without cooking it. Bacon must always be cooked.
In recipes, you can often swap pancetta for bacon. But remember, the flavors will be different. Pancetta won’t add smokiness to your dish like bacon does.
Culinary Uses of Pancetta
Pancetta adds rich flavor to many dishes. It works well in both Italian and non-Italian recipes. Here are some key ways to use pancetta in your cooking.
Flavor Enhancement
Pancetta boosts flavor in soups, sauces, and pasta dishes. Dice it and cook it as a base for sauces or risottos. The fat renders out, infusing the dish with a savory taste.
You can wrap pancetta around asparagus or other vegetables before roasting. This gives veggies a salty, meaty flavor.
Try crumbling cooked pancetta over salads or pizzas. It adds a nice crunch and salty bite.
For breakfast, pancetta makes a great swap for bacon in eggs or frittatas.
Pairing Pancetta with Ingredients
Pancetta pairs well with many foods. It goes nicely with chicken, peas, and pasta in carbonara.
You can stuff chicken breasts with pancetta and cheese for extra flavor.
Mix pancetta into mashed potatoes or risotto for richness. It also works well with Brussels sprouts or green beans.
For appetizers, wrap pancetta around dates or shrimp. The salty meat balances sweet or mild flavors.
Try pancetta with eggs in quiche or frittatas. It adds depth to creamy egg dishes.