Pasta with Pancetta & Walnuts

By Chef Edie Franz
Total Time
35 Mins
Serves
6
Meal
Dinner Lunch

DESCRIPTION

Toasted California walnuts add crunch to this light, flavorful, colorful pasta dish that features smoky pancetta and peppery arugula.

Prep Time
15 Mins
Cook Time
20 Mins
Total Time
35 Mins
Calories
790
Total Fat
44
Polyunsaturated Fat
14
Cholesterol
45
Sodium
1650
Carbohydrates
62
Dietary Fiber
3
Protein
29

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pancetta (Italian sausage, lean bacon, or vegetables can be substituted), chopped
  • 1 cup California walnuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, medium, chopped
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup basil, chopped, fresh
  • 1/4 cup thyme, chopped, fresh
  • 1 cup arugula, chopped, fresh
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, light
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Romano and Parmesan cheeses, freshly grated
  • 1 pound penne or linguine pasta

Preparation

  1. Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil, and add the pasta. Cook 10 minutes or until al dente, drain and reserve.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan, and add the onion, garlic and pancetta. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the pancetta is crisp and golden.
  3. Add white wine, basil and thyme, cook 3 minutes. Add arugula, walnuts, extra-virgin olive oil, and salt and freshly grated white pepper to taste, then add to the reserved pasta and toss well.
  4. Divide the pasta evenly among four dinner plates, top with grated cheese and serve.