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Ingredients
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Pasta
Sauce
Finish & Garnish
Method
Pasta
- 1
Bring water to boil and cook pasta
Bring 4 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Add 12 oz pappardelle and cook until just al dente according to package instructions (fresh 2–4 minutes, dried 7–9 minutes). Reserve 1 to 1 1/2 cups of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauce
- 2
Render pancetta
While the water heats, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large wide sauté pan over medium heat. Add 6 oz diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and edges are crisp and lightly browned, about 6–8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer most of the pancetta to a bowl, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- 3
Soften aromatics
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion to the pancetta fat and cook until translucent, 4–5 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown.
- 4
Deglaze (optional)
If using, pour 1 tablespoon dry white wine into the pan to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom; simmer until most of the wine has evaporated, about 1–2 minutes.
- 5
Build the tomato base
Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor. Add 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook 8–10 minutes to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
- 6
Finish with cream and pancetta
Stir 1/2 cup heavy cream into the tomato sauce and simmer gently 2–3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Return the cooked pancetta to the pan and add 6 torn basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and more salt if needed.
Combine & Serve
- 7
Toss pasta with sauce
Add the drained pappardelle to the sauce and toss gently to coat. If the sauce seems tight, add reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce clings nicely to the pasta (use up to 1/2 cup). Cook together over low heat 1–2 minutes to marry flavors.
- 8