Penne with Artichokes and Pancetta

I can provide you with a recipe for delicious Penne with artichokes and pancetta. It is a simple but flavorful dish, perfect for a quick but tasty meal. Here’s what you need and how to prepare it.

Ingredients

• 350g penne
• 200g smoked pancetta, cubed
• 4 artichokes
• 1 clove of garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A bunch of chopped parsley (optional)
• Grated parmesan (optional)
• The juice of 1 lemon

Preparation

1. Clean the artichokes by removing the tougher outer leaves, the tips and any inner choke, then cut them into thin wedges and immerse them in water with lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
2. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and add the garlic to brown it.
3. Add the smoked pancetta to the pan and let it cook until it becomes crispy.
4. Drain the artichokes from the lemon water and add them to the pan with the pancetta, letting them cook until they are tender. If necessary, you can add a little water to prevent them from burning.
5. Meanwhile, cook the penne in plenty of salted water following the instructions to achieve al dente cooking.
6. Drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water, and add it to the pan with the artichokes and pancetta.
7. Mix the penne well with the sauce, adding a little cooking water if necessary to make everything creamier.
8. Serve hot, optionally sprinkling with chopped parsley and grated parmesan to taste.

This recipe is a great example of how Italian cuisine can make a simple pasta special with the addition of quality ingredients and a bit of know-how. The smoked pancetta gives an intense flavor that balances well with the delicacy of the artichokes, creating a harmonious and inviting dish. Bon appétit!