Good Pasta is my go-to when I need a comforting meal without a lot of fuss. It's creamy, savory, and comes together in one pan—perfect for busy weeknights.
Advertisements1
I love how the sauce clings to every noodle, and the crispy pancetta adds a salty crunch. It's the kind of dish that feels fancy but is secretly simple.
Whether you're cooking for family or just yourself, this recipe is forgiving and adaptable. Let's get started!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
12 oz (340g) dried spaghetti or fettuccine
Use your favorite long pasta. Gluten-free? Try chickpea or rice noodles.
4 oz (115g) pancetta or bacon, diced
Pancetta adds richness; bacon works too—just adjust salt.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Extra-virgin for flavor, or use butter for a nuttier taste.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is best; use 1 teaspoon garlic powder if in a pinch.
1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth
Low-sodium preferred to control salt. Use water with a bouillon cube if needed.
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or canned coconut milk.
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded. Pecorino Romano adds a sharper flavor.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds a subtle heat; omit for a milder dish.
Salt and black pepper to taste
Season gradually and taste as you go.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Fresh herbs brighten the dish; dried parsley works in a pinch.
Tips & Tricks
Reserve some pasta water
The starchy water helps thicken the sauce and smooth it out.
Don't overcook the pasta
Aim for al dente; it will cook slightly more in the sauce.
Grate your own Parmesan
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Crisp the pancetta
In a large skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C), cook the pancetta for 5-7 minutes until crispy and browned. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pan.
3. Sauté garlic
Add olive oil to the same skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4. Build the sauce
Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat (400°F/200°C). Let it reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add cream and cheese
Lower the heat to medium-low (300°F/150°C). Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes.
6. Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked pasta and crispy pancetta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Season and serve
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Delicious Variations
Mushroom Spinach
Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the garlic, then stir in 2 cups spinach until wilted.
Chicken Alfredo
Add 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken along with the pasta.
Spicy Arrabbiata
Replace cream with tomato sauce and add extra red pepper flakes.
How to Store Good Pasta
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk and add a little extra Parmesan to thicken.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese, and stir constantly. Avoid boiling.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and cheese are gluten-free.
Q: What protein can I add?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage all work well. Cook them separately and add at the end.
I hope you love this Good Pasta as much as I do! If you make it, tag me in your photos—I'd love to see your creations. Small steps, big impact.
Good Pasta
Good Pasta is a creamy, one-pan weeknight dinner that's ready in 35 minutes and packed with flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) dried spaghetti or fettuccine
- 4 oz (115g) pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
📋 Instructions
- 1Cook the pasta — Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 2Crisp the pancetta — In a large skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C), cook the pancetta for 5-7 minutes until crispy and browned. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pan.
- 3Sauté garlic — Add olive oil to the same skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- 4Build the sauce — Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat (400°F/200°C). Let it reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
- 5Add cream and cheese — Lower the heat to medium-low (300°F/150°C). Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes.
- 6Combine pasta and sauce — Add the cooked pasta and crispy pancetta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 7Season and serve — Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Maya writes about sustainable living and zero-waste practices, focusing on small, achievable changes for everyday life. She shares practical tips from her own experiments in reducing waste at home and in her community.
