Brie Pasta with Pancetta and Spinach Recipe
This Brie Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed with crispy pancetta, melted brie cheese, fresh baby spinach, and a touch of lemon juice. The sauce is made by melting creamy brie with reserved pasta water, creating a luscious coating that clings to each strand of pasta. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Meat
- 4 ounces diced pancetta
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Dairy & Others
- 8 ounces brie, rind removed, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente following the package instructions. Remember to reserve 1 cup of the hot pasta water before draining.
- Fry Pancetta: While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced pancetta and fry until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Leave the rendered fat in the pan for flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pancetta pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
- Melt Brie Sauce: Add the cut brie pieces to the skillet along with lemon juice and about 1/4 cup of the reserved hot pasta water. Toss with two spoons until the brie melts into a creamy sauce.
- Add Spinach and Pasta: Remove skillet from heat and stir in the fresh baby spinach and drained pasta. Toss together until the spinach wilts. Add more reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
- Season and Serve: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Removing the rind from the brie ensures a smooth, creamy sauce without tough bits.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
- Use pancetta for authentic flavor, but bacon can be substituted if unavailable.
- To make it vegetarian, omit pancetta or replace with sautéed mushrooms.
Keywords: brie pasta, creamy pasta, pancetta pasta, quick dinner, Italian pasta recipe
