Description
Fregola with Pancetta, Peas, and Parmesan is a rustic yet refined Italian-inspired dish featuring toasted semolina fregola pasta combined with crispy pancetta, fresh sweet peas, and sharp Parmesan cheese. This comforting and elegant meal is quick to prepare, boasting balanced flavors and unique textures ideal for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Broth
- 1 cup fregola pasta
- 4 cups warm vegetable or chicken broth
Protein and Vegetables
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 1 cup fresh peas (or frozen peas, thawed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Finishes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Pancetta: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crisp and golden, releasing its flavorful fat. Remove pancetta and set aside, keeping the fat in the pan.
- Toast the Fregola: In the same skillet with the pancetta fat, add fregola pasta. Toast gently, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until lightly golden and nutty-scented, developing its signature texture and flavor.
- Cook with Broth: Gradually add warm broth, about ½ cup at a time, stirring until mostly absorbed before adding more. Continue this process for 12-15 minutes until fregola is tender and infused with the broth’s flavor.
- Add Garlic and Peas: About 5 minutes before fregola finishes cooking, stir in minced garlic and fresh peas. Cook just until peas are tender and bright green, and garlic is aromatic.
- Finish with Parmesan and Pancetta: Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan and reserved crispy pancetta. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add lemon zest if using for a fresh brightness, stirring to combine thoroughly.
Notes
- Toast the fregola thoroughly to build signature flavor and texture.
- Use warm broth to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Reserve and use pancetta fat to enrich the dish flavor.
- Add peas late to retain their vibrant color and sweetness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Fregola, Pancetta, Peas, Parmesan, Italian pasta, toasted pasta, quick dinner, rustic pasta recipe