Short Description

This pasta dish combines the savory crispiness of pancetta with the briny tang of green olives, all tossed together with al dente spaghetti and fresh herbs. A simple, flavorful meal that brings a delightful Italian-inspired twist to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out for its balance of bold and subtle flavors—the salty crunch of pancetta pairs perfectly with the slightly sharp, tangy green olives. It’s quick to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients, yet delivers a sophisticated taste. The addition of fresh herbs and a hint of chili flakes enhances the dish without overwhelming the palate, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti
1/2 cup green olives, sliced
4 oz pancetta, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove pancetta and set aside, leaving oil in the skillet.
3. Add garlic and chili flakes to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add sliced olives and cook for another 2 minutes to warm through.
5. Toss cooked spaghetti into the skillet, mixing well to coat with the olive oil and garlic mixture.
6. Stir in crispy pancetta, fresh basil, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 2 to 3 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes for cooking, totaling around 20 minutes for the entire dish.

Variations

• Substitute pancetta with bacon or guanciale for a different flavor profile.
• Use black olives instead of green olives for a milder taste.
• Add cherry tomatoes for a fresh, juicy contrast.
• Incorporate grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for added richness.
• Adjust chili flakes according to desired spice level or omit them entirely for a milder dish.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the pancetta’s crispiness.

FAQs

What type of olives work best for this recipe?

Green olives with a firm texture and mild briny flavor are ideal, but you can experiment with different varieties to suit your taste.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in smaller amounts as a substitute.

Is pancetta necessary, or can I use another meat?

Pancetta provides a distinctive flavor and texture, but bacon or guanciale are suitable alternatives.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the pancetta and increase the amount of olives and herbs. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for a savory element.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It is best served fresh, but you can prepare components separately and combine just before serving.

What pasta shapes work well with this recipe?

Spaghetti is traditional, but linguine or fettuccine would also complement the ingredients.

How spicy is this dish?

The chili flakes add a mild heat, which can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the pasta and pancetta.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti pairs nicely with the flavors.

How do I prevent the pancetta from becoming greasy?

Cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.

Conclusion

Spaghetti with green olives and crispy pancetta is an elegant yet simple dish that combines a harmony of flavors and textures. Its quick preparation and versatile nature make it a perfect addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.

Spaghetti with Green Olives and Crispy Pancetta

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• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2-3 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing, Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Un plat de pâtes simple et savoureux composé de spaghettis al dente, agrémentés d’olives vertes tranchées et salées, de morceaux de pancetta croustillants, d’herbes fraîches et d’une touche de piment pour une touche subtile de piquant. Légèrement assaisonné d’huile d’olive et de poivre noir concassé, ce plat savoureux d’inspiration italienne est parfait.

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Ingredients

• 8 oz de spaghettis
• 1/2 tasse d’olives vertes, tranchées
• 113 g de pancetta, coupée en dés
• 2 cuillères à soupe d’huile d’olive
• 2 gousses d’ail hachées
• 1/4 cuillère à café de flocons de piment rouge (facultatif)
• Sel et poivre noir fraîchement moulu au goût
• 1/4 tasse de basilic frais, haché
• 1/4 tasse de persil frais, haché

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Instructions

1. Cuire les spaghettis selon les instructions sur l’emballage jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient al dente. Égoutter et réserver.
2. Dans une grande poêle, faire chauffer l’huile d’olive à feu moyen. Ajouter la pancetta et la faire cuire jusqu’à ce qu’elle soit croustillante, environ 5 minutes. Retirer la pancetta et la réserver, en laissant l’huile dans la poêle.
3. Ajoutez l’ail et les flocons de piment dans la poêle et faites revenir pendant 1 minute jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient parfumés.
4. Ajoutez les olives coupées en tranches et laissez cuire encore 2 minutes pour les réchauffer.
5. Ajoutez les spaghettis cuits dans la poêle et mélangez bien pour les enrober du mélange d’huile d’olive et d’ail.
6. Incorporer la pancetta croustillante, le basilic frais et le persil. Assaisonner de sel et de poivre selon votre goût.
7. Servir immédiatement, garni d’herbes supplémentaires si désiré.

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Notes

• Utilisez de l’huile d’olive de bonne qualité pour une meilleure saveur.
• Ajustez les flocons de piment à votre niveau de piquant préféré ou omettez-les si vous êtes sensible à la chaleur.
• Les herbes fraîches peuvent être remplacées par des herbes séchées si les herbes fraîches ne sont pas disponibles, mais utilisez-en moins.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg