Linguine with Pancetta and Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes
Gerald Colapinto of Corona, California, writes: "My grandparents were born in Italy and were wonderful cooks, so I'm partial to Italian food. I especially love the cooking of Southern Italy. Fortunately, I often travel to Rome on business. Back home, I like to re-create the dishes I discovered."
4.4
(33)
Recipe information
Total Time
20 minutes
Yield
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
12 ounces linguine
1/4 cup olive oil
6 garlic cloves, chopped
4 ounces sliced pancetta or bacon, chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes
1 1/4 cups grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, divided
Preparation
Step 1
Cook linguine in pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain, reserving 1 cup liquid. Return pasta to pot.
Step 2
Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; stir 30 seconds. Add pancetta and crushed red pepper; sauté until pancetta is crisp, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes; sauté until soft, about 4 minutes.
Step 3
Transfer tomato mixture to pot with pasta. Add 3/4 cup cheese and 1/3 cup basil. Toss over medium heat until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta, adding cooking liquid by 1/4 cupfuls if dry. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Sprinkle with basil. Serve remaining cheese alongside.
