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Simmered in Tradition: Pasta with Asparagus and Pancetta

May 11, 2016 By Patricia 46 Comments

Growing up in an Italian family, Sunday was the day for pasta. We sometimes had pasta on other nights, too, but there was no getting around it on Sundays. I consider my recipe for Pasta with Asparagus and Pancetta to be “simmered in tradition,” as it makes me think back to those family meals I enjoyed, gathered around a big table.

Dig into this delicious dish: pasta with asparagus and pancetta

My parents were exceptional gardeners, and their garden always produced lots and lots of amazing tomatoes. Most of those tomatoes would get canned by my mom and made into sauce, and that sauce was later used for almost all our pasta dishes. They grew asparagus, too, ready to enjoy during the spring.

Enjoy a bowlful of pasta with asparagus and pancetta!

I’m pretty sure the thought to pick up a jar of tomato or pasta sauce at the grocery store never crossed my mom’s mind! She had her own supply in the basement that she could easily reach for. But times change, and not so many of us are able to plant our own gardens, can veggies, or maybe even have time to always make pasta sauce from scratch. That’s when having a flavorful, prepared jar of pasta sauce comes in handy.

Ragu Homestyle pasta sauces are fab with a dish like pasta with asparagus and pancetta!

Ragu has a new line of pasta sauces called Homestyle. The Homestyle sauces are super thick and super flavorful as a result of using a combination of vine-ripened tomatoes, onions, and fragrant herbs. What these sauces don’t include are artificial flavors, colors, or high fructose corn syrup.

Pasta with Asparagus and Pancetta makes a great meal!

Growing up on homemade Italian food, sometimes it’s hard for me to find just the right products that offer quality ingredients and great taste. The Ragu Homestyle sauces definitely make the cut. These sauces (I used Homestyle Thick and Hearty Traditional sauce for this recipe for Pasta with Asparagus and Pancetta) are perfect for pasta – they find any and all twists and curves of the pasta and fill them with sauce for a rich taste in each forkful.

Enjoy a wonderful pasta dish: Pasta with Asparagus and Pancetta!

Pasta with Asparagus and Pancetta is a dish that can be made quickly, and that can deliver a wonderful meal to enjoy with family and friends.

Check out the new Ragu Homestyle sauces — they’re perfect for a dish like this and so many others!  

Thank you, readers, for supporting the brands I love!

Serves 4

Pasta with Asparagus and Pancetta

This is a wonderful and hearty dish to serve for any meal!

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Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) jar Ragu Homestyle Thick and Hearty Traditional Pasta Sauce
  • 8 ounces favorite pasta (I used a medium-sized curly pasta)
  • 2 ounces pancetta
  • 1 small bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Grated Parmesan cheese as garnish

Instructions

  1. Blanch the asparagus by adding it to boiling water, then removing it after a few minutes, or when it turns bright green. Transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop it from cooking. Reserve the cooking water. Drain the asparagus from the ice water, then slice it into 2-inch pieces. Set aside.
  2. Use the reserved water from the asparagus to cook the pasta. Bring to a boil, and cook the pasta according to the package directions.
  3. As the pasta cooks, add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for two minutes, then add the pancetta and cook for a minute. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds more.
  4. Add the sauce to the skillet along with the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and reduce the heat to low. Add the asparagus pieces and stir to combine.
  5. When the pasta is finished cooking, drain it, then add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine.
  6. Serve warm garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Reserve the water you use to cook the asparagus, to cook your pasta. This add some nutrients and flavor to the dish!

7.8.1.2
49
https://www.azgrabaplate.com/simmered-tradition-pasta-asparagus-pancetta/

Nutrition

Calories: 492 cal
Carbohydrates: 68 g
Fat: 16 g
Sodium: 1369 g
Cholesterol: 26 g
Protein: 19 g
Fiber: 8 g

Filed Under: Dinner, Lunch, Recipes Tagged With: asparagus, Pancetta, pasta, pasta sauce

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Comments

  1. Catherine says

    May 12, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    Dear Patricia, this looks fantastic! What a delicious meal...Ragu is great to have on hand when you need to whip up dinner in a pinch. xo, Catherine
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:31 pm

      That's for sure, Catherine, and I'm loving the new Homestyle Sauces! Thanks so much!
      Reply
  2. Annie @Maebells says

    May 12, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    This dish looks great! I love asparagus in pasta!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      Thanks so much, Annie!
      Reply
  3. Peter Block says

    May 12, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    I really like how you kicked up the jar sauce. Some days that's all we have time for. The asparagus adds a really nice color contrast as well.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      That is so true, Peter, and happy to have one that includes quality ingredients & big flavor! Thanks so much!
      Reply
  4. Kaitie says

    May 12, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    First of, LOVE the bowl! So pretty! And this recipe is perfect for a weeknight! I know my kids would eat it all up!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:29 pm

      Thanks so much, Kaitie! (I shouldn't say anything, but hidden under all the yummy pasta is a bowl with a Christmas tree design on it -- our secret!)
      Reply
  5. Kate @ VeggieDesserts says

    May 12, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    Homegrown asparagus! How lucky you were. This is a lovey recipe and fab tip to cook the pasta in the asparagus water!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:28 pm

      I know - I really was, Kate! Thanks so much!
      Reply
  6. Christie says

    May 12, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    We have been enjoying Ragu sauces. Love your addition of pancetta and asparagus
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:28 pm

      That's great, Christie. They're great to have on hand! Thanks so much!
      Reply
  7. shelby says

    May 12, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    I'm a fan of pasta too and I love the flavors. Asparagus is my favorite vegetable and I love the salty pancetta in this too!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:27 pm

      Thanks, Shelby! Yes, exactly - I think a touch of that saltiness is so yummy!
      Reply
  8. Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says

    May 12, 2016 at 1:55 pm

    I love the idea of asparagus mixed in with this pasta - YUM!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:26 pm

      Thanks, Ashley!
      Reply
  9. Marye says

    May 12, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    This is gorgeous! I love that the asparagus is in the pasta.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:25 pm

      Thanks so much, Marye!
      Reply
  10. Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says

    May 12, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    With two hungry boys in the house and a busy life, having a jar of sauce in the cupboard can sometimes be a life saver! I love the fact it doesn't have all the nasties in them! I bet it would be great as a sauce for pizza too!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:25 pm

      Hi Claire - I totally agree with you! And yes, happy to say, no nasties included ;) I definitely think this would be great as a pizza sauce, too. Very thick and rich!
      Reply
  11. Mary says

    May 12, 2016 at 2:29 pm

    I love asparagus, so I am going to have to try this dish!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:24 pm

      Excellent! Hope you like it! Thanks, Mary!
      Reply
  12. Jill Silverman Hough says

    May 12, 2016 at 2:35 pm

    Is your pancetta diced, sliced, or something else?
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:23 pm

      This pancetta was packed in small cubes/chunks. Hope that helps!
      Reply
  13. allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says

    May 12, 2016 at 4:56 pm

    Great recipe and great sauce. I love fresh tomatoes too, but would rather eat them fresh from the vine. Can't wait to try this delicious recipe with asparagus!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:23 pm

      Thanks so much, Allie!
      Reply
  14. Joanie @ ZagLeft says

    May 12, 2016 at 5:21 pm

    I grew up in a big Italian family too and I fondly remember Sunday dinners with pasta. I enjoy using Ragu as well and will definitely be trying your recipe - I love the combination of ingredients you used.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:22 pm

      Great memories, for sure, Joanie! Thanks so much! I must admit I hadn't used Ragu often, but this new Homestyle option is really wonderful!
      Reply
  15. Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen) says

    May 12, 2016 at 9:05 pm

    My father-in-law is growing asparagus and has promised us a bunch of it when we see them in a couple week. Now I have another recipe to add to my list! :o)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 12, 2016 at 9:21 pm

      Oh, how awesome - lucky you! Hope you try this :)
      Reply
  16. Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says

    May 12, 2016 at 10:57 pm

    I am so hungry and this looks DIVINE! Ahhh, I wish I could grab it through the screen! Love that you grew up with awesome gardener parents :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 13, 2016 at 1:23 am

      Thanks so much, Kacey! I love it, too (and miss it)!
      Reply
  17. Crystal says

    May 13, 2016 at 12:57 am

    MMMM...........this looks like a great combination!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 13, 2016 at 1:22 am

      Thanks so much, Crystal!
      Reply
  18. Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says

    May 13, 2016 at 2:41 am

    This sounds like such a comforting dish! Plus I love asparagus so WIN!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 13, 2016 at 12:11 pm

      Thank you, Sharon!
      Reply
  19. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

    May 13, 2016 at 5:42 am

    Asparagus, pancetta and pasta - now that's a totally winning combination!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 13, 2016 at 12:10 pm

      Thank you, Kimberly!
      Reply
  20. Nutmeg Nanny says

    May 13, 2016 at 11:56 am

    Hello pasta! LOVE the addition of asparagus and pancetta.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 13, 2016 at 12:10 pm

      Thanks so much! :)
      Reply
  21. Andi @ The Weary Chef says

    May 13, 2016 at 6:10 pm

    I love that you added asparagus to this pasta! Looks so flavorful!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 15, 2016 at 12:04 pm

      Thanks so much, Andi!
      Reply
  22. LouAnn says

    May 13, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    Patricia, this looks fantastic! I would have never thought to try asparagus (I've clearly been missin' out) but DEFINITELY adding to my list of must try's.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 15, 2016 at 12:03 pm

      Hi LouAnn! Thanks so much! I hope you do give this a try!
      Reply
  23. Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says

    May 15, 2016 at 4:39 pm

    What a delicious looking pasta dish! I love that you used campanelle pasta for this too -- it's my favorite!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 16, 2016 at 10:56 pm

      Thanks, Sarah! That's my favorite, too :)
      Reply

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I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

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