At first glance, it might seem like a simple dish, but just one bite reveals that it’s something special. Creamy, enveloping, and fragrant, this pasta immediately wins you over at the first taste. Perfect for those who love genuine dishes full of character, it’s the kind of recipe that pleases everyone: adults and children, those seeking comfort, and those wanting a bold taste.
Get ready to surprise your palate with a balance of flavors you don’t expect: every forkful is a little pleasure, and every aroma tells something unique.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups pasta (short type like penne or fusilli ..)
- 5 1/2 oz speck
- 3/4 cup cooking cream
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- to taste black pepper
Tools
- 1 Pot
- 1 Pan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Colander
Steps
Start by finely chopping the onion. Place it in a pan with a drizzle of oil and let it gently brown over very low heat, so it becomes soft and fragrant.
Then add the speck cut into strips with scissors: this way it is more convenient and quicker to handle. Let it slowly brown, stirring occasionally. When ready, turn off the heat and set aside, as it will be the base for your cream.
Sautéing the onion and speck slowly enhances all the flavors without burning them.
Don’t raise the flame too much, otherwise, the onion becomes bitter and the speck hard.
Bring plenty of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Use the passive method: cover with a lid and let it cook for the time indicated on the package. When it’s ready, drain it.
Take back the pan with speck and onion, pour in the cream, and turn the heat to low. Stir gently to prevent the cream from thickening immediately.
Add the drained pasta and turn it into the cream, tossing it gently until you get the right creamy consistency. If it dries out, add a splash of pasta cooking water.
Add a grind of black pepper and stir again.
There’s no need for Parmesan: the speck is already salty and keeps the dish balanced.
Too high a flame will separate the cream and lose its creaminess.
Serve the pasta on hot plates and, if desired, add a bit more pepper on top. You’ll see: creamy, fragrant, with the bold taste of speck that perfectly matches the sweetness of the onion.
Tips and Variations
If you want a more delicate flavor, replace speck with cooked ham.
It’s perfect for a simple yet surprising lunch or dinner.
FAQ – Creamy Pasta with Onion and Speck
Can I prepare the pasta in advance?
Yes, but store the pasta without cream. Add the dressing only at the last moment to maintain creaminess.
Can I use a plant-based cream?
Yes, plant-based cream works well too, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Can speck be replaced with another type of cold cut?
Yes, pancetta or prosciutto can be used, adjusting the browning times.
This creamy pasta with speck and onion is simple to prepare, yet incredibly tasty. Perfect for a dinner that wins everyone over. Try it and enjoy personalizing it: sometimes a small change can lead to a new favorite dish!
