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Tagliolini with Chestnut Sauce and Crispy Pancetta

17/11/2023

Here is a recipe that combines the sweetness of chestnuts with the intense flavor of pancetta. These Tagliolini with Chestnut Sauce and Crispy Pancetta will be an autumnal dish full of flavors.

Ingredients

  • 350 g of fresh tagliolini (egg-based if possible for a richer flavor)
  • 200 g of cooked and peeled chestnuts
  • 150 g of cubed smoked pancetta
  • 1 shallot
  • 250 ml of fresh cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, to serve)
  • Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Preparation

  1. In a non-stick pan, sauté the cubed pancetta until it becomes crispy. Remove the pancetta and set aside on paper towels.
  2. In the same pan, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the finely chopped shallot. Sauté until it becomes translucent.
  3. Add the cooked chestnuts and crush them with a fork or a food mill to obtain a coarsely chopped mixture.
  4. Pour the cream into the pan with the chestnuts and shallots, adjust with salt and pepper, and let cook on low heat for 10 minutes so that the flavors meld.
  5. In the meantime, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tagliolini according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or until al dente.
  6. Drain the tagliolini and toss them in the pan with the chestnut sauce. Mix well to coat the tagliolini with the sauce.
  7. Serve the tagliolini with their sauce and sprinkle with the crispy pancetta that you had set aside.
  8. If desired, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.

Curiosity

Not many people know that chestnuts were called “the grain that grows on trees” and were a staple in peasant diets, especially in the mountains, before the introduction of potatoes and corn from the Americas. Today, chestnuts are appreciated for their versatility and contribution to both sweet and savory recipes, as in this delicious autumnal pasta.

And now, enjoy your meal! If you would like a recommendation for a wine pairing, a good structured but not too tannic red wine, such as a Barbera d’Asti, might be an excellent choice.