Recipe

Baltimore-style Pasta with Pecorino Cheese

Charm City Cheesy Pasta Delight

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Baltimore with this delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, Pasta alla pecorara. This recipe combines the richness of Pecorino cheese with the vibrant culinary traditions of Baltimore, resulting in a mouthwatering pasta dish that will leave you craving for more.

Pasta› Pasta alla pecorara

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine› Northeastern American cuisines› Cuisine of the Mid-Atlantic United States› Cuisine of Baltimore

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Total time

30 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Peanut-free, Shellfish-free

Allergens

Dairy (Pecorino cheese, heavy cream), Pork (bacon)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo

Ingredients

In this Baltimore adaptation, we incorporate the iconic Baltimore spice blend, Old Bay seasoning, to infuse the dish with a local flavor. Additionally, we enhance the creaminess of the sauce by adding a touch of heavy cream, giving it a richer texture. The use of crispy bacon bits as a garnish adds a smoky and savory element, elevating the overall taste profile of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Pasta alla pecorara, so you can check it out.

8 ounces (225g) pasta 8 ounces (225g) pasta
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 cup (100g) grated Pecorino cheese 1 cup (100g) grated Pecorino cheese
2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste Black pepper, to taste

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 520 kcal / 2176 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 18g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 3g
Protein: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 2g

Preparation

1.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2.
In a large skillet, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
3.
Gradually whisk in the Pecorino cheese until it melts and forms a smooth sauce.
4.
Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it is evenly coated with the sauce.
6.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7.
Remove from heat and garnish with crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley.
8.
Serve hot and enjoy the Baltimore-style Pasta with Pecorino Cheese!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Pecorino cheese — Make sure to grate the cheese finely for a smooth sauce.
Old Bay seasoning — Adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness.
Bacon — Cook the bacon until crispy before crumbling it for the garnish.

Tips & Tricks

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to add variety to the dish.
Sprinkle some red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
Serve with a side of garlic bread to complement the flavors.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious lunch option.

Serving advice

Serve the Baltimore-style Pasta with Pecorino Cheese as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Plate the pasta neatly, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few bacon bits on top for an appealing presentation.