The Pioneer Woman Tasty Kitchen
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Pasta Vecchia Napoli

5.00 Mitt(s) 7 Rating(s)7 votes, average: 5.00 out of 57 votes, average: 5.00 out of 57 votes, average: 5.00 out of 57 votes, average: 5.00 out of 57 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5

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Level: Easy

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Description

I first tasted this pasta dish at a small trattoria just outside of Cortona and found it delicious. I knew as soon as I tasted it that I would have to go home and make it in my own kitchen because it is exactly the type of recipe I love – simple and quick to make with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 6 ounces, weight Smoked Pancetta, Diced
  • ¼ cups Finely Chopped Onions
  • 1 whole Medium Zucchini Cut Into 1/2 Inch Dice
  • 2 whole Garlic Cloves, Minced
  • 14 ounces, weight Can Pureed Tomatoes
  • ¼ cups Fresh Chopped Basil
  • Salt and Pepper
  • ⅓ cups Heavy Cream
  • ¼ cups Chopped Fresh Parsley
  • 1 pound Dried Pasta
  • ⅓ cups Pecorino Cheese

Preparation

In a heavy saucepan, heat the oil and add the pancetta. Cook until the pancetta is lightly brown and beginning to crisp. Add the onions, and cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the zucchini and cook until tender crisp. Next add the garlic and cook only until it begins to sizzle. Add the tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper and cook for ten minutes. Add the cream and mix well. Keep the sauce warm over low heat.

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until it is al dente. Drain, and toss the pasta with the sauce and fresh parsley. Serve in individual bowls offering the cheese at the table.

Note: Smoked pancetta may be difficult to find, but you could substitute any similar product such as smoked prosciutto, or even smoked bacon. The smokey flavor is really what gives this pasta its delicious, unique flavor, so try and find a smoked product if possible. I used an artisan-made pasta in this recipe, but penne or rigatoni pasta would both work well.

16 Comments

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thesweetandsalty on 3.29.2010

I had to make a few substitutions based on what was available in my pantry but the overall flavor was amazing.

Great recipe.

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Aleksss on 11.22.2009

i made this last night and it was AWESOME!!!
oh my gosh was this good… my hubby ate a 2nd portion and even his best friend, who came over later that night, who is really by far the pickiest eater i have ever met in my entire life, LOVED this dish!!!

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kerryscookin on 10.26.2009

I just made this for dinner, and my husband exclaimed, “This is a keeper!” It is fantastic. After looking all over town for smoked pancetta, I settled on smoked bacon, and I completely understand what you are saying about the smokey taste! On its own the pecorina was a little strong and salty (for me), but on the pasta, it was fabulous! Thank you! Thank you! Five mits for sure.

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alicia on 9.16.2009

I made this last night- very tasty. I made some budget friendly substitutions (ham, parmesan) and everyone enjoyed it. I used cavatappi for the pasta and it worked well. will make again.

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gneissgirl on 9.12.2009

I used portabello mushrooms in mine – amazing!

7 Reviews

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tomatoes on 8.13.2013

I subbed smoked prosciutto and parmesan, and my boyfriend said it was one of his absolute favourite dishes I’ve ever made. Excellent presentation, too – looks straight out of a chef’s kitchen.

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Elizabeth on 7.16.2013

This was so yummy! Very easy and delicious. Thank you!

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emingrace on 5.31.2013

This is one of my go-to pasta meals now. It is so simple but incredibly delicious! I usually use a bit more pancetta and substitute parmesan for the pecorino. This dish is so flavorful! Thanks so much for sharing this.

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Twyla on 8.24.2011

I made this for dinner last night. I never ever thought I could cook a pasta dish worthy of a fine Italian restaurant, but I just did!! This dish was A-MAZE-ING!! My kids gobbled it up and asked for seconds!! Thank you so much for another great staple to our family meals!!

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Katie on 7.27.2011

This was delicious and super easy to make! My grocery store was out of pancetta, so I used smoked ham. I also used penne pasta. I don’t know if I missed a lot by not using pancetta, but the recipe turned out awesome anyway. Very easy to put together. The recipe feeds four adults without ANY leftovers – next time I am going to double it and freeze some!

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