Alla Creta with a Twist

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) pasta of your choice 250g (8.8 oz) pasta of your choice
• 200g (7 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated 200g (7 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) pancetta, diced 100g (3.5 oz) pancetta, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 35g, 20g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Cook until the sauce thickens and the cheese is melted.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked pasta, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy pancetta to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Parmesan cheese — Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Mushrooms — Choose fresh mushrooms and slice them evenly for even cooking.
• Pancetta — If pancetta is not available, you can substitute it with bacon for a similar flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the dish vegetarian, you can omit the pancetta and add some sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
• For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, although the sauce will be less creamy.
• Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, to add unique flavors to the dish.
• Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, but the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so you can add a splash of cream when reheating to restore the creaminess.

Serving advice

Serve the Alla Creta with a Twist hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine to complement the flavors.

Presentation advice

Plate the pasta neatly, ensuring that the creamy sauce coats each strand of pasta. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of parsley for an elegant touch.