Marinated Artichoke and Pancetta Pasta
Jarred marinated artichokes need not be relegated only to an antipasti platter. Here they take center stage as the backbone of a luscious pasta, aided by crisped, salty pancetta. Adding two cups pasta cooking liquid may seem like a lot, but the sauce needs it to stay glossy and velvety even as it cools.
Ingredients · Servings 4
- 12 oz. spaghetti
- Kosher salt
- 4 oz. pancetta (Italian bacon), cut into ¼" pieces
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for pot)
- 2 12-oz. jars marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground pepper
- 2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup)
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Method · 45 min
- Cook 12 oz. spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until very al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions. Drain, reserving 2 cups pasta cooking liquid.
- Meanwhile, place 4 oz. pancetta (Italian bacon), cut into ¼" pieces, in a cold, dry medium Dutch oven or other heavy pot and set over medium-high heat. Cook pancetta, stirring often, until browned and crisp, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to a small bowl, leaving fat behind in pot.
- Pour extra-virgin olive oil into fat in pot so you have 3 Tbsp. total. Arrange two 12-oz. jars marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained, in a single layer in pot and cook over medium-high heat, undisturbed, until golden brown underneath, 6–8 minutes. Add 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, and ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes and season with freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add pasta, 2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup), 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, and 1 cup reserved pasta cooking liquid; season with salt. Cook, tossing constantly and gradually pouring in more pasta cooking liquid until all 2 cups have been incorporated and a thick, glossy sauce forms, about 2 minutes. Remove pot from heat and mix ¼ cup finely chopped parsley, 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, and pancetta into pasta; season with more salt and black pepper if needed. Divide among shallow bowls.
