Fat Spaghetti with Bacon & Artichokes

By Cindy

Ingredients

• Salt and pepper
• 1 pound bucatini, pici or spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 to 1/3 pound chunk guanciale, pancetta or center-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 cups frozen artichoke hearts, thawed or 1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Caciocavallo or Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley (a generous handful)

Preparation

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta-cooking water.

While the pasta is working, in a large skillet, heat the EVOO, 3 turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the guanciale (or pancetta or bacon) and cook until the fat is rendered, 2-3 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, season with pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the wine, then the stock. Add the artichoke hearts and cook to heat through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt. Lower the heat to low.

Stir the reserved pasta-cooking water into the artichoke sauce. Add the pasta, cheese and the parsley; toss. Serve the pasta in shallow bowls and pass more cheese at the table.