Handmade Pasta with Pancetta, Cherry Tomatoes, and Herbs

Ingredients for Handmade Pasta with Pancetta, Cherry Tomatoes, and Herbs

• 475ml (or more) 00 flour

• 240ml hot water, divided

• 4 teaspoons plus 120ml extra-virgin olive oil

• Pinch of salt

• 120ml chopped white onion

• 80g chopped pancetta (Italian bacon)

• 1/4 teaspoons cracked black pepper

• 3 cups small cherry tomatoes, halved

• 16 fresh basil leaves plus fresh sprigs for garnish

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano

• 60g grated Pecorino Romano cheese plus additional Romano cheese, shaved

How to make Handmade Pasta with Pancetta, Cherry Tomatoes, and Herbs

Place 250g flour in large bowl. Make well in centre. Add 120ml hot water, 4 teaspoons oil, and pinch of salt to well and stir to combine. Gradually mix flour into wet ingredients, adding remaining 120ml water to form soft dough. Turn dough out onto lightly floured work surface. Knead until smooth, adding more flour if sticky, about 5 minutes. Gather dough into ball. Transfer dough to bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest 1 hour at room temperature.

Lightly dust large baking sheet with flour. Place dough on work surface and cut off 1/2-inch-thick slice. Roll dough between palms of hands and lightly floured work surface to 1/3-inch-thick rope. Repeat with 5 more dough slices, rolling each into rope. Cut ropes into 1-inch lengths. Using 2 fingers, push fingertips into dough as you pull it toward you to form horizontal imprints. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough in batches. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover with dry kitchen towel, then plastic wrap, and let stand at room temperature.

Heat remaining 120ml oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, pancetta, and pepper and sauté until onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Add tomatoes with any juices and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Mix in 16 basil leaves and oregano. Season to taste with salt.

Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and boil until tender but still slightly firm to bite, about 10 minutes. Drain well; return to pot. Add half of sauce and 120ml grated cheese and toss over medium heat until warm, about 2 minutes. Divide pasta among bowls. Spoon remaining sauce over. Garnish with basil sprigs. Serve, passing shaved cheese separately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.