Pancetta Pesto Mushroom Pasta

Also known as Pasta Dello Strano to some.

While looking for a late night dinner with what we had in the house, we came up with a pasta dish that has many of the classic pasta flavors, then added some mushrooms.

The brightness from the pesto pairs well with the salty bit of the pancetta while the mushrooms add a little rich, earthy note.

This quick dinner will have you coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

1/3 lb thick cut pancetta
8 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 shallot, thinly sliced
3.5 oz pesto
1 lb Spaghetti
Salt
Pepper
Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions:

Begin boiling the water for the pasta.
In a saute pan, slowly saute the pancetta till the fat is rendered. Set aside.
Add pasta and cook according to the directions.
In the saute pan add the mushrooms and shallots. When the pasta is done, salt the mushrooms.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water then drain the pasta and add to the mushrooms and shallots, along with the reserved pasta water. Stir vigorously for 1 minute then add the pesto and continue stirring for another minute.
Top with fresh ground pepper and parmesan cheese.

Notes:

Servings = 2