Il Cucinologo
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Pasta with Romanesco Broccoli and Pancetta

17/11/2023

I can suggest a delicious Italian recipe for pasta with Romanesco broccoli and pancetta. Let’s look at the ingredients and preparation together.

Ingredients

  • 320 g of pasta (penne or rigatoni work very well)
  • 1 Romanesco broccoli
  • 150 g of pancetta in cubes
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil (to taste, as needed)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Chili pepper (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan (optional)
  • Water for cooking the pasta

Preparation

  1. Clean the Romanesco broccoli, divide it into florets and wash it well.
  2. In a large pan, fry the pancetta cubes without adding other fats, until it is crispy.
  3. Remove the pancetta and in the same released fat, add a drizzle of oil and the peeled and crushed garlic cloves.
  4. Add the Romanesco broccoli florets and sauté for a few minutes.
  5. Add a little water, cover the pan and let cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still crunchy.
  6. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook the pasta al dente according to the times indicated on the package.
  7. Drain the pasta and pour it into the pan with the Romanesco broccoli.
  8. Add the crispy pancetta, gently mix to combine the ingredients.
  9. If desired, add black pepper, chili pepper and grated Parmesan.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy this tasty dish.

Fun Facts

Romanesco broccoli is a vegetable with a unique shape, characterized by a natural fractal. It is highly appreciated in Italian cuisine for its delicate flavor, which makes it versatile in many dishes, not only in pasta preparations.

Remember that you can always customize the recipe by adding or removing ingredients according to your tastes or any dietary needs. Enjoy your meal!