Recipes with Pancetta Perfect for Pasta, Soups, and More

Few ingredients add flavor as quickly as pancetta does!

It’s salty, savory, and adds a richness that makes even a basic meal feel special.

You know that sound when it hits a hot pan and starts to crisp? Pure happiness.

I’ve used it in carbonara, stirred it into soups, tossed it over roasted vegetables, and folded it into breakfast eggs.

What I like most is how a small amount carries big flavor while also stretching the budget.

And honestly, who can say no to crispy pancetta on top of just about anything?!

1. Classic Pasta Carbonara with Crispy Pancetta

Pancetta brings a deep, salty flavor and crisps up beautifully, balancing out the creamy sauce.

Tossing hot pasta with eggs and cheese lets the pancetta’s fat coat everything in a silky, rich layer.

Using pancetta instead of bacon just feels more authentic and gives the dish a delicate texture I really like.

This one’s great for a quick dinner—simple ingredients, but pancetta makes it feel fancy.

2. Pancetta and Brussels Sprouts Sauté

The salty, crisp pancetta contrasts perfectly with tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts.

Caramelizing the sprouts brings out a touch of sweetness that balances the pancetta’s richness.

Try adding a splash of stock as you cook—it softens the sprouts and deepens the flavor.

3. Creamy Mushroom and Pancetta Risotto

Crisping pancetta at the start gives the risotto a smoky depth that lingers in every bite.

Mushrooms add earthiness, and their flavor really stands up to the salty pancetta.

I usually deglaze the pan with white wine—it lifts all those browned bits and adds a little zing to the rice.

Arborio rice gets creamy on its own, so you don’t need to add cream, and the dish feels indulgent but not heavy.

Finish with grated parmesan for a nutty kick that matches the pancetta and mushrooms perfectly.

4. Pancetta-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Juicy chicken thighs wrapped in salty pancetta crisp up beautifully in the oven.

The pancetta brings texture and flavor, giving the chicken a savory edge that plain seasoning just can’t match.

My favorite part? Pancetta locks in the chicken’s moisture, so you get tender meat with a golden, crisp outside.

5. Baked Rigatoni with Pancetta, Broccoli, and Green Olives

This pasta bake mixes rigatoni, crisp pancetta, tender broccoli, and briny green olives for a balanced bite.

Pancetta adds salty richness, especially when it bakes with the pasta and cheese.

I like to cook the broccoli just until it’s bright green, so it stays a little firm and doesn’t get mushy.

Green olives bring a tangy pop that cuts through the creamy cheese in every forkful.

6. Pancetta and Pea Quiche

This quiche balances salty pancetta with sweet peas just right.

Rinsing the peas in cold water before adding them keeps them bright and fresh.

The pancetta crisps up, so every bite gets a savory punch alongside the creamy eggs.

7. Savory Fried Peach Pizza with Pancetta

Salty, crispy pancetta meets juicy peaches for that perfect sweet-and-savory combo.

Cooking the peaches caramelizes them, making their flavor pop against the savory toppings.

Fresh thyme brings a subtle earthiness that ties everything together on the pizza.

8. Eggplant Pasta with Crispy Pancetta

Tender roasted eggplant pairs with crisp pancetta for a great mix of textures.

Pancetta’s salty crunch balances the soft eggplant, and I like to cook it until it’s extra crisp so it stands out in the sauce.

9. Shrimp and Pancetta Pasta

Salty pancetta and sweet shrimp make a killer combo in this pasta.

You get crispy pancetta bits and tender shrimp in every bite, which keeps things interesting.

I usually go for a light garlic butter or cream base that ties it all together without overpowering the seafood.

This dish comes together fast—under 30 minutes.

Cooking the pancetta first lets the fat flavor the shrimp and sauce even more.

10. Pancetta and Olive Tapenade Crostini

Crispy pancetta gives these crostini a salty crunch that plays off the briny olive tapenade.

Mixing green and black olives makes the spread more interesting and balanced.

My favorite part? The pancetta fat soaks into the bread, making every bite extra rich.

11. Pancetta and Potato Hash

Crispy pancetta adds a savory punch to tender potatoes, and the textures just work.

Try using a mix of potato varieties for more color and depth.

Top it with an egg—the yolk mixes with the salty pancetta for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

I like to finish with fresh herbs or green onions to brighten things up a bit.

12. Pizza with Pancetta and Mushrooms

Salty pancetta and earthy mushrooms just belong together on pizza.

The pancetta crisps up in the oven, adding texture and richness to each slice.

I suggest using a mix of mushrooms—cremini, shiitake, whatever you like—for more flavor.

Go light on the mozzarella so it melts around the toppings without hiding the pancetta.

13. Pancetta and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

Salty pancetta and earthy spinach fill these mushroom caps with so much flavor.

Pancetta crisps up and gives the filling texture, while the cheese makes everything creamy.

Sauté the spinach first so the filling doesn’t get watery—it’s worth the extra step.