I love a simple Pancetta Fettuccine Alfredo recipe for days that I have put in some time behind my desk. There is nothing worse than having to think of something complicated after using all of my “complex” energy all day.

I have a few go to recipes that I have been sharing on my Instagram & TikTok; but I am going to compile them all here on the blog to take the thinking out of it for you. Simple ingredients, affordable and DELICIOUS. & of course, enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow because THAT is a priority for us working moms! Maximizing our time in every single way.

This Pancetta Fettuccine Alfredo recipe came to me from Pinterest. I was intrigued by the idea of using pancetta in an alfredo sauce since I normally do not like alfredo. Something about the ultra creamy consistency just doesn’t ever sit well with me in my stomach and never has. However I thought, maybe if I thin out the sauce with some pasta water, add a hearty meat, vegetables and seasonings, I can make this something I could enjoy. Especially since my husband loves a good Fettuccine Alfredo!

Pancetta Fettuccine Alfredo Ingredients:

• 1 package of pancetta (diced)
• 1 red onion (diced)
• 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes (optional if you like spice, 1 teaspoon if you don’t)
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Fettuccine Alfredo sauce from Trader Joes (in the refrigerator section if you like fresh or a jar is just a fine!)
• 1 package of Fettuccine noodles
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
• 1/4 stick of Kerry Gold Butter
• 1/2 tablespoon of cracked black pepper
• Salt to taste

Putting it all together in less than 10 steps:

1. Saute the minced garlic and red onion together until tender in your olive oil with the red pepper flakes
2. Add in the pancetta and cook until crisp
3. Add in Alfredo sauce. 1/4 stick of Kerry Gold butter, salt, pepper and Italian seasonings.
4. Cook pasta to al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water.
5. Add 1/2 cup of pasta water to the alfredo sauce.
6. Drain pasta and stir in the noodles to the alfredo sauce
7. Allow to mellow on low for 5 minutes while occasionally stirring while you make garlic bread or a salad for a side.
8. ENJOY!

Simple & enjoyable. What it always should be and never is when we need it to be! I was able to get all the ingredients for this recipe for less than $10 (most of them I had around the house, as I am sure you do too!). Next time you’re at the grocery store grab some pancetta, fettuccine noodles, alfredo sauce and VOILA!

For more simple recipes check out:

• Paleo Meatloaf
• Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup with Kale