Pasta with Pancetta, Spinach, and Beans Recipe

"This is really a simple comfort food dish; and, take just minutes to prepare. I like to use an orecchiette pasta (or little ears), but you can use your favorite pasta. The broth, wine, and cheese really make the sauce for this simple rustic dish. And the spinach gives it a fresh taste. This can be a served as a side dish, or even a main dish."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Pasta ... Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water according to package directions. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain (reserving 1 cup of the pasta water); and return to the pasta to the pot - off the heat, and cover.

Step 2

Sauce ... As the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of the olive oil to a large saute pan and bring to medium heat. Add the pancetta, and saute on medium heat until lightly crisp and brown (3-4 minutes). Then, add another teaspoon of the olive oil along with the onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes, and saute for 3-4 minutes until tender, stirring often.

Step 3

Next, add the wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits off the bottom; then, add the beans, chicken broth, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Simmer 5-7 minutes on low heat.

Step 4

Finish ... Add the spinach to the sauce and stir until combined. Then, add the drained pasta and parmesan cheese and toss to combine. Remove from the heat; the residual heat will wilt the spinach. Then, check for seasoning, and adjust if necessary with salt and pepper. Add the basil, and toss one last time. If you prefer your sauce a bit thinner, add some of the reserved pasta water. I usually add about 1/3 cup.

Step 5

Garnish, Serve, and ENJOY! ... Garnish with extra parmesan cheese. I also like a drizzle of olive oil as well. It is an easy dish to prepare, and absolutely delicious. Add some crusty bread for a great meal. It is inexpensive, hearty, but has tons of flavor.