Mafalda Pasta & Pancetta Breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients

   Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Using a damp paper towel, gently brush off any dirt from the mushrooms, then thinly slice. Halve, peel, and thinly slice the shallot.

2. Cook the pasta

   Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes, or until al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat. Reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain thoroughly.

3. Make the pancetta breadcrumbs

   Meanwhile, in a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the pancetta. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the breadcrumbs. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until browned and the pancetta is cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Rinse and wipe out the pan.

4. Cook the mushrooms & make the sauce

   In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sliced mushrooms and sliced shallot in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned. Add the capers and as much of the red pepper flakes as you'd like, depending on how spicy you'd like the dish to be. Cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until combined. Add the tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until thoroughly combined. Add 2/3 cup of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly thickened. Turn off the heat.

5. Finish the pasta & serve your dish

   To the pan, add the cooked pasta, butter, and half the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook on medium-high, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the pasta is coated (if necessary, gradually add the remaining cooking water to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated). Turn off the heat. Stir in the mascarpone until combined. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished pasta topped with the pancetta breadcrumbs. Enjoy!