Pasta with Fava Beans and Pancetta

Pasta with fava beans and pancetta is a delightful, rustic Italian dish that highlights the freshness of fava beans and the savory richness of pancetta. With a simple yet satisfying flavor profile, it’s a perfect option for a quick dinner that still feels special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors: the slight bite of the pasta, the creamy tenderness of the fava beans, and the salty, rich crispness of pancetta. It’s easy enough to prepare on a busy weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate springtime when fresh fava beans are in season.

Ingredients

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

• Pasta (such as spaghetti, tagliatelle, or orecchiette)
• Fresh fava beans, shelled and peeled
• Pancetta, diced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fava beans and cook for 2–3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath. Peel the outer skins to reveal the bright green beans.
2. In the same boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the pancetta. Cook until the pancetta is crispy and golden.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the pancetta and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Stir in the peeled fava beans and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing them to warm through and absorb the flavors.
6. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water.
7. Add the pasta to the skillet with the pancetta and fava beans, tossing everything together. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes, making the total time about 35 minutes.

Variations

• Substitute bacon for pancetta if pancetta is unavailable.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, bright note.
• Toss in some sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness.
• Use pecorino cheese instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
• Incorporate a handful of baby spinach at the end for added greens.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

How do I peel fava beans easily?

Blanching them quickly in boiling water and then plunging them into an ice bath makes the skins easy to slip off.

Can I use frozen fava beans instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen fava beans work well and save time since they are usually pre-shelled.

What type of pasta works best with this recipe?

Short pasta like orecchiette or longer shapes like spaghetti and tagliatelle pair wonderfully with this dish.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely, simply omit the pancetta or replace it with a vegetarian substitute.

Is there a substitute for pancetta?

Bacon or prosciutto can be used as substitutes, though they will slightly change the flavor profile.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil or immediately combine it with the pancetta and fava bean mixture.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the fava beans and even cook the pancetta ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.

What wine pairs well with pasta with fava beans and pancetta?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti complements the dish beautifully.

How do I know when the pancetta is perfectly cooked?

It should be golden brown and crispy but not burnt.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the texture of the pasta and fava beans can deteriorate after thawing.

Conclusion

Pasta with fava beans and pancetta is a true celebration of simple, rustic Italian cooking. With its harmonious blend of flavors and easy preparation, it’s a dish you will find yourself returning to whenever you crave something hearty yet fresh. Perfect for any season but especially delightful in spring, it’s a must-try recipe for all pasta lovers.

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