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- I made Ina Garten’s favorite weeknight pasta and had an easy and delicious dinner ready in 30 minutes (businessinsider.com)
Ina Garten’s Favorite Weeknight Pasta: A Delicious Italian Classic Ready in 30 Minutes
When it comes to quick and satisfying weeknight dinners, Ina Garten’s go-to pasta recipe stands out for its simplicity and authentic Italian flavors. Featuring bucatini, pancetta, and pecorino cheese, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes-making it perfect for busy evenings.
Known for encouraging easy, adaptable meals, Garten shares this recipe in her cookbook “Go-To Dinners.” She suggests that while the pasta shines on its own, it can also be paired creatively with veal meatballs or a dollop of ricotta to mix things up.
To prepare four servings, you’ll need common pantry staples including dried spaghettoni or bucatini, yellow onion, pancetta, garlic, San Marzano tomatoes, dry red wine like Chianti, and fresh basil. Regular spaghetti can be substituted if needed.
The cooking process begins with sautéing diced pancetta in olive oil until browned, followed by caramelizing chopped onions. After returning the pancetta to the pan, garlic and crushed red pepper flakes are added briefly before deglazing with red wine. Once the wine reduces, crushed tomatoes and a touch of sugar are simmered to develop a rich sauce.
Meanwhile, the pasta is cooked slightly less than al dente-though personal taste may require a bit more time depending on your stove. After draining, the pasta is combined with the sauce, a splash of pasta water, and finished with grated pecorino and fresh basil for a bright, flavorful finish.
The final dish delivers a rustic, comforting taste reminiscent of a cozy Italian trattoria. The salty pancetta complements the sweet tomatoes and earthy basil, while the red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick. Despite its straightforward preparation, the sauce offers surprising depth and balance.
This recipe not only tastes like it belongs in a charming neighborhood Italian restaurant but also fits perfectly into a hectic weeknight schedule. With minimal prep and a quick cook time, Ina Garten’s pasta is sure to become a reliable favorite in your dinner rotation.