Recipe Information

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• Pasta:
  • 500 grams of penne
• Sauce:
  • 400 ml of light cream
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 large Belgian endives, sliced lengthwise and then into strips
  • 200 grams of lardons
  • Fleur de sel to taste (or any coarse sea salt)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: a splash of veal stock or white wine
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Instructions

1. Begin by slicing the onion finely.
2. Cut the endives lengthwise and then slice them into thin strips.
3. In a wok or a large frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil or a knob of butter and sauté the onion until it turns translucent.
4. Add the lardons to the pan and continue cooking until they become crispy.
5. Deglaze the pan with a splash of veal stock or white wine to create a light broth. Then, pour in the cream and let it reduce on low heat.
6. In another pan, sauté the endives in a bit of butter until they start to turn golden brown.
7. Add a teaspoon of brown sugar to the endives to caramelize them, mixing well.
8. Combine the caramelized endives with the creamy lardon sauce. When the penne is cooked al dente, add it to the sauce, stirring well to combine.
9. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Notes

This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Recipe Tips

For an added depth of flavor, try using smoked lardons or pancetta in place of regular lardons. Also, consider adding a splash of white wine during the cooking process for an extra layer of taste!

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 600 calories, 35g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, and 18g of protein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is the star of this dish, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni or farfalle.

2. Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?

Yes, you can replace the lardons with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based bacon alternative for a vegetarian version of this dish.

3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular penne, and ensure that your cream and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

4. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, just cook the pasta and combine the two.

5. What should I serve this dish with?

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.