When the weather cools down, nothing warms the heart and fills the stomach quite like a hearty pasta bake. The Pancetta and Taleggio Pasta Bake is a perfect blend of creamy cheese and savory pancetta, making it an ideal comfort food for any occasion.
Originating from Italy, pancetta is an Italian cured meat made from pork belly, renowned for its rich flavor and versatility in many dishes. Taleggio, hailing from the Lombardy region, is a semi-soft cheese known for its pungent aroma and smooth, creamy texture.
Ingredients:
– 400g rigatoni or penne
– 2 tsp olive oil
– 200g pancetta, chopped
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 50g unsalted butter, plus extra to grease
– 40g plain flour
– 600ml milk
– 1 bay leaf
– 250g Taleggio cheese, rind removed
– Flat-leaf parsley, chopped, to serve
Method:
1 Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni or penne according to the packet instructions until al dente.
2.Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large non-stick saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and fry the chopped pancetta and onion for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove one-third of the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside.
READ ALSO: How To Make Beef Pasta Like A Pro
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Preheat your oven to 220°C. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Stir in the flour and cook for 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in the milk, add the bay leaf, and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring until thick and smooth. Cut the Taleggio cheese into small cubes and stir two-thirds of it into the sauce. Once the cheese has melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine and Bake: Drain the pasta and mix it with the cheese sauce until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a lightly buttered oven proof dish. Dot with the remaining Taleggio cheese and reserved pancetta. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
5. Serve: Sprinkle with chopped flat-leaf parsley, season with pepper, and serve immediately.
Enjoying your pasta bake can come in different form and styles, but much more, what are you enjoying it with? You can also try it out with cocktails recipe that you can also make from the comfort of your home. Here is one cocktail recipe that will go well with your Taleggio Pasta.
The post For the Love of Pancetta and Taleggio Pasta Bake appeared first on Guardian Nigeria News.
