If going out for a little one on one time isn’t going to happen for you this year on Valentine’s I have the perfect dish the whole fam bam can be into. It’s simple enough that kids will be all over if, but decadent enough that it will feel special for the love birds in the room.
I think pasta is just the most unifying food in all of the world. Right? Who can pass up that carby goodness?
This dish is so easy to make, but has a ton, a ton of flavor!
I served this dish up with roasted broccoli – a complete favorite in our household. This whole meal is so stinkin’ easy it’s ridiculous.
It’s completely the perfect dish for a family on Valentine’s day, but heck it’s amazing every other day too!
Happy cooking! xx
ellyn
SERVINGS: 3-4
TIME: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 12 oz preferred pasta
- 8 oz pancetta, diced
- 2 medium garlic cloves
- 4 green onions, diced & divided between the green & white parts
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 lemon, zest & juice divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne – optional
- ½ cup panko
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water. I usually undercook it about 1-2 minutes under what the package says so that it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- In a large skillet over medium heat add pancetta & the white part of the green onions. Cook until beginning to crisp – about five minutes. Add in chopped garlic. Cook another minute until fragrant.
- Remove the pancetta-green onions-garlic mixture from the pan & set aside.
- Add 3 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Once the butter has melted, add in the butter & whisk continually until well combined. Cook for 2 minutes or until the mixture has turned a golden color & the raw flower has cooked out.
- Slowly add in the chicken stock & half & half. Whisk well & let simmer for another 5 minutes, until bubbly & thickening.
- Add in lemon juice ( about ⅓ a cup ), salt, pepper, cayenne & pasta. Let combine for another 2-3 minutes.
- For the panko topping – in a small skillet melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium high heat & add panko & lemon zest. Toast until golden & crispy – about 3-4 minutes. Watch it, stir frequently so it doesn’t burn!
- Top the pasta with the crunchy panko.
- Enjoy!
