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Creamy Garlic Scape Pasta Recipe with Crispy Pancetta Bites

creamy garlic scape pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy pasta dish featuring fresh garlic scapes and crispy pancetta bites, delivering a perfect balance of sharp garlic, smoky pancetta, and luscious creaminess.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped into 1-inch pieces (or substitute with 3 cloves garlic, minced)
  • 12 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine recommended)
  • 4 oz pancetta, diced into small cubes
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon zest from half a lemon (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet with pancetta fat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 cup chopped garlic scapes. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid burning.
  4. Reduce heat to low, add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the skillet with garlic scapes. Once melted, pour in 1 cup heavy cream. Stir gently and warm through for 2-3 minutes without boiling.
  5. Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest if using. Sauce should thicken slightly and become silky.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat noodles, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if sauce is too thick.
  7. Fold crispy pancetta bites back into the pasta. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and toss once more.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook garlic scapes to avoid bitterness. Render pancetta fat slowly over medium heat for crispy bites. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting. Lower heat before adding cream to prevent separation. Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scape pasta, creamy pasta, pancetta pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, garlic scapes, crispy pancetta, comfort food

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