There is something comforting about pasta on a slow weekend. It doesn't need to be complicated or take hours in the kitchen. Sometimes, the simplest ingredients are all you need to make a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy around the table.
We often have pasta with a pesto sauce, like [this broccoli pesto here], with a nice tomato sauce, or simply tossed with a fresh gremolata.
And this version, with crispy pancetta and a bright, lemony gremolata sauce, has become one of those easy pasta meals I love making when I want something simple but full of flavor.
What is gremolata?
Gremolata is a simple Italian sauce traditionally made with fresh parsley, garlic and lemon zest. It is one of those sauces that shines because of its simplicity, yet brings an incredible amount of fresh flavor to a dish and you can find the recipe here.
It is also somewhat similar to chimichurri sauce, which instantly takes me back to my homeland. Both are fresh, herb-based condiments with garlic and a bright, zesty flavor, although they are prepared differently and have their own distinct character.
For this pasta, I like adding a little extra lemon juice to my gremolata. That extra lemony punch works beautifully with the richness of the pancetta and gives the whole dish a fresh and vibrant finish.
Why I love this easy pasta recipe
The beauty of this pasta is the balance of flavors.
The pancetta adds a delicious salty and savory richness, while the fresh parsley, garlic and lemon in the gremolata brighten everything up. Add some juicy cherry tomatoes and your favorite pasta, and you have a simple meal that feels much more special than the effort it takes to make it.
It's the kind of recipe that doesn't need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques. Just a few good ingredients, a little time in the kitchen, and you're ready to sit down and enjoy your weekend.
And honestly, that's exactly what I want from a weekend meal.
A simple pasta for a slow weekend
I especially love serving this pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes. Their natural sweetness and juiciness pair beautifully with the salty pancetta and the fresh lemony gremolata.
You could also add a little freshly grated Parmesan on top, although I find that the gremolata already brings so much flavor that you don't need much else.
Serve it warm, grab a fork, and enjoy it with a nice glass of wine or your favorite drink.
No complicated recipe. No rushing. Just a comforting bowl of pasta and a slow weekend.
Enjoy the weekend! 🤎
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EASY PASTA with PANCETTA & LEMONY GREMOLATA SAUCE
You'll need:
Cooked Pasta, any of your choice
Pancetta, raw or cooked cut into slices
Fresh Cherry Tomatoes
Parmesan Cheese, grated
Preparation:
1- Once the pasta has been cooked, drain, and transfer to a serving dish.
2- Mix into the gremolata sauce.
3- Add pancetta, fresh tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy!
