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Home » Ingredient » Pasta

Published: Oct 13, 2022 by Genevieve · This post may contain affiliate links.

Penne al Baffo

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This Pinterest pin shows Penne al Baffo on a white plate garnished with parsley with the words Penne al Baffo and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
This Pinterest pin shows Penne al Baffo on a white plate garnished with parsley with the words Penne al Baffo and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
This Pinterest pin shows Penne al Baffo on a white plate garnished with parsley with the words Penne al Baffo and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
This Pinterest pin shows Penne al Baffo on a white plate garnished with parsley with the words Penne al Baffo and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
This Pinterest pin shows Penne al Baffo on a white plate garnished with parsley with the words Penne al Baffo and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
This Pinterest pin shows Penne al Baffo on a white plate garnished with parsley with the words Penne al Baffo and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.
This Pinterest pin shows Penne al Baffo on a white plate garnished with parsley with the words Penne al Baffo and the URL www.twocloveskitchen.com.

This Penne al Baffo is coated in a concentrated tomato and cream sauce with garlic, shallot, thin-sliced pancetta, and topped with parsley. It is an extra decadent dish everyone will love!

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
A white plate of Penne al Baffo garnished with parsley sits on a white marble counter with a gray linen, a fork, a frying pan full of penne al baffo, and a bunch of parsley.
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Dish
  • What You'll Need
  • How to Make Penne al Baffo
  • FAQ
  • Variations
  • How to Store
  • Expert Tips
  • How to Serve
  • Recipes You'll Love
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Dish

"Baffo" means "mustache" or "whiskers" in Italian. I have been told the name for this recipe comes from the phrase "so good you'll lick your whiskers," which I find pretty unbearably cute.

A direct quote from my boyfriend (who has a mustache): "This is my favorite pasta you've ever made."

This is a big deal. I have made him countless marinaras, pestos, puttanesca, cream sauces, manicotti from scratch. But this recipe is the winner.

You will love the rich, creamy sauce tempered by the bright, concentrated tomato paste, lightly sweet shallots, salty pancetta, and savory garlic. Parsley adds just a bit of freshness and earthiness to this wonderfully comforting dish.

I recommend using a high-quality tomato paste and full-fat heavy cream for this dish. It's not the time to cut corners - commit to the decadence! I use double-concentrated tomato paste and regular heavy cream.

To make this dish vegetarian, just omit the pancetta.

The labeled ingredients for penne al baffo sit on a white marble counter.

What You'll Need

Two Cloves Kitchen, as an Amazon Affiliate, makes a small percentage from qualified sales made through affiliate links at no cost to you.

  • Pancetta I like to use thin-sliced pancetta. If you cannot find pancetta, try a prosciutto, ham, or even bacon. If you'd like a different texture to your pasta, you can try cubed pancetta or ham instead.
  • Tomato Paste A good-quality, double-concentrated tomato paste is excellent here. I've made this with regular, generic brand tomato paste too, though, and it's still amazing.
  • Penne You could also use a mostaccioli, rigatoni, or other short tube pasta.
  • Shallot This would work with a sweet onion or yellow onion as well. If using onion, use a small onion or half of a larger onion.
  • Fresh Garlic
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil This is my favorite brand.
  • Kosher Salt I always recommend Diamond Crystal kosher salt when cooking. The shape of the salt is more of a flake than a cube. It is easier to coat food evenly, harder to oversalt, and it has an overall preferable flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley If you aren't a fan, try some fresh basil instead.

How to Make Penne al Baffo

Step One Finely chop the garlic and shallot. If it is not already, slice your pancetta into bite-sized pieces.

Minced garlic sits on a white cutting board.
Finely chopped shallots sit on a white cutting board.

Step Two Add olive oil, garlic, and shallot to a frying pan over medium-low to medium heat. Sweat until the shallot is transparent.

Garlic and shallot are shown sweating in olive oil in a white frying pan.

Step Three Add the pancetta and cook for a few more minutes.

Pancetta is shown cooking in hot olive oil.

Step Four Add the tomato paste and cook for a few more minutes.

Tomato paste is added to the garlic, shallot, olive oil, and pancetta mixture.

Step Five Add the cream and switch the heat to medium-low or low. Stir often.

Cream is mixed into the shallot, garlic, olive oil, pancetta, and tomato paste mixture.

Step Six In the meantime, set a salted pot of water to boil. Cook the penne to one minute less than the lower time on the box instructions - usually 10 minutes.

Penne pasta in a stainless steel pot of boiling water with a silver spoon stirring the noodles.

Step Seven Add the pasta to the sauce. Add a small amount of pasta water if the sauce has gotten too thick. Garnish with parsley and serve!

A white plate of Penne al Baffo garnished with parsley sits on a white marble counter with a gray linen, a fork, a frying pan full of penne al baffo, and a bunch of parsley.

FAQ

What is Penne al Baffo?

Penne al Baffo is a pasta dish with tomato and cream sauce and a pork product - often ham. Here we have used pancetta as we found the end product more nuanced, richer, and more savory.

Can I make this in advance?

I do not recommend making this in advance. If you have leftovers, try storing the pasta and sauce separately to maintain the pasta's texture and reheat separately. See "How to Store" section for more details.

Can I freeze this?

I do not recommend freezing this dish. The texture of the pasta and the sauce will both be impacted negatively by freezing. Try to eat the whole thing right after making!

Can I use a different pasta?

Of course. Try any short tube-shaped pasta here, like rigatoni, ziti, or mostaccioli.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the pancetta and use a pinch of salt in its place.

Variations

Different Fresh Herb Try some fresh basil instead of parsley!

Different Meat If you can't find pancetta, try prosciutto, ham, or even bacon.

Cheese Add a bit of parmesan, pecorino, or mozzarella at the end for an even more decadent, cheesy dinner. Don't go too crazy, though - the dish is already on the salty side.

How to Store

I recommend eating this dish right after it is cooked. I do not like pasta reheated as the texture becomes mushy or dry. If you plan to make this dish in advance, store the pasta and sauce separately.

You can also reheat the sauce on the stove and the pasta in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top for 1 minute or less.

Cooked pasta should last for 5 days. The sauce should last for 5 to 7 days in the fridge.

I do not recommend freezing this sauce. It will separate, change textures, and just be generally sad.

Tip: The ingredients for this dish actually last longer in the fridge before they are cooked/prepared.

Expert Tips

  • Cook the pasta for one minute less than the lower time suggested on the box. This will result in al dente pasta that won't become overcooked when it is mixed into the sauce.
  • Watch your temperature closely as you are making the sauce. You want your shallots and garlic to sweat, not brown, or your resulting sauce will become bitter.
  • Taste! When your sauce has finished cooking, be sure to taste it before serving. It seems like such a simple tip, but many people forget to do this. In this step, you'll be able to see if you need a pinch more salt before it hits the table.

How to Serve

This pasta is fantastic on its own. If you'd like to add a vegetable to your meal, try:

Simple Side Salad Try a simply dressed salad with few components to complement this dish.

Greens Some simply sautéed greens would be a fantastic side.

Roasted Vegetables Try this roasted tenderstem broccoli!

Added Protein You could also add a protein like a piece of grilled chicken, shrimp, or some white beans to add more body to the meal.

Recipes You'll Love

Try these other delicious pasta recipes!

Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce

Spaghetti Arrabbiata

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Penne al Salmone

Broccoli Pasta

📖 Recipe

A white plate of Penne al Baffo garnished with parsley sits on a white marble counter with a gray linen, a fork, a frying pan full of penne al baffo, and a bunch of parsley.

Penne al Baffo

Penne in a tomato and cream sauce with shallots, garlic, and pancetta topped with parsley. An extra decadent, comforting pasta dish everyone will love!
5 from 43 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easy, Quick, Tomato Cream Sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 small (2 large)
Calories: 520kcal
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Equipment

  • Stock Pot
  • Frying Pan
  • Colander
  • Kitchen Knife

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces penne
  • 1 shallot finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 3 ounces thin-sliced pancetta sliced in half lengthwise, then thin sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2-4 tablespoons parsley
  • 1 pinch kosher salt large, for salting the pasta water

Instructions

  • Place a large pot of water on the stove to boil. Salt the water.
  • Place a frying pan on medium-low to medium heat. Add the olive oil, shallot and garlic. Cook until softened and shallots are translucent, stirring often, about 5 minutes. If garlic starts to color, turn down the heat.
  • Add pancetta and cook until some of the fat renders, 3-4 minutes.
  • Add tomato paste and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  • When the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook until just al dente (usually 1 minute less than the lower time suggested in the box directions). Reserve some pasta water.
  • Add the cream. Once the cream comes to a simmer, turn heat to medium-low or low and cook for 5-10 minutes while the pasta cooks, stirring often to ensure the sauce does not get too thick. You want the sauce to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Add the al dente pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce has gotten a bit too thick, add a scoop of the pasta water and stir until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Taste for seasoning. If needed, add a bit of salt.
  • Ladle the pasta into bowls, top with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • This recipe makes 4 small portions or 2 large portions. Calories listed are for 4 portions.
  • If you cannot find pancetta, feel free to use prosciutto, ham, or even bacon.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, just omit the pancetta.
  • Instead of shallot, you can use sweet or yellow onion. Use half of a large onion or a whole small onion.
  • High-quality double concentrated tomato paste is excellent here, but regular, generic brand tomato paste is also good.
  • I recommend serving this dish right after it is prepared, but if needed you can refrigerate the pasta and sauce separately and combine once reheated. I do not recommend freezing this dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 317mg | Potassium: 424mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1042IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 2mg

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. CC says

    January 08, 2022 at 1:32 am

    5 stars
    Excellent!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      January 11, 2022 at 5:40 pm

      Thank you, CC! So glad you enjoyed this.

      Reply
  2. Andrew Miller says

    January 15, 2022 at 3:05 am

    5 stars
    My favorite on here so far!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      January 15, 2022 at 5:46 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  3. Taradise says

    June 18, 2022 at 6:12 pm

    5 stars
    First of all, the flavor of this sauce is quite delicious. I added some salt to taste. This recipe will work with light cream or half and half as well. Instead of pasta, I sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, sweet bell pepper, and yellow onion which made a delightful, easy to make vegetarian dish. Freshly cracked pepper and grated Parmesan was the perfect finish.

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      June 18, 2022 at 6:21 pm

      I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this! The dish you made sounds excellent.

      Reply
  4. Claire says

    June 19, 2022 at 2:29 am

    5 stars
    This really was delicious! The pancetta added so much extra flavor and I loved the creaminess. All the kids had big bowls, included my eldest who usually picks at her food!
    Will be making this again! And I agree the name is so cute!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      June 19, 2022 at 4:34 am

      Thank you, Claire! I’m glad your family enjoyed the recipe.

      Reply
  5. Ally says

    June 20, 2022 at 9:35 am

    5 stars
    Really loved this very flavorful recipe! Highly recommended! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It's really easy to make and it tasted so delicious!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      June 20, 2022 at 1:27 pm

      I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  6. Shelby says

    June 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! Added some mushrooms and sliced peppers and it was a hearty, drool-worthy meal... plus it was simple to whip up!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      June 20, 2022 at 1:51 pm

      Those sound like great additions. I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!

      Reply
  7. Kate says

    June 20, 2022 at 2:25 pm

    5 stars
    So easy and so good! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      June 20, 2022 at 3:03 pm

      Thanks, Kate!

      Reply
  8. Shruthi says

    August 22, 2022 at 1:35 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious! Swapped pancetta for mushrooms and it was still absolutely delicious. Vegetarian and meat-eaters in the family both enjoyed it!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      August 22, 2022 at 3:33 pm

      That’s a great idea! I’m glad your family enjoyed it.

      Reply
  9. Allyssa says

    August 22, 2022 at 1:40 pm

    5 stars
    This is really easy to follow, loved this penne al baffo recipe! It's really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      August 22, 2022 at 3:33 pm

      Thanks Allyssa! I appreciate it.

      Reply
  10. Michele says

    August 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm

    5 stars
    This was my first time making Penne al Baffo but it certainly will not be my last because the whole family loved it. Thanks for a great recipe.

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      August 22, 2022 at 4:48 pm

      It’s definitely a favorite in our house. Thanks Michele!

      Reply
  11. k says

    August 22, 2022 at 4:28 pm

    5 stars
    One, this recipe is so easy and delicious - two, the name is unbearably cute. I love that translation!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      August 22, 2022 at 4:47 pm

      I thought so too. Thanks k! So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  12. Shelby says

    August 22, 2022 at 4:30 pm

    5 stars
    "So good you'll lick your whiskers" is going to be my new phrase, so cute! Absolutely love this throw-together pasta, it's simple but not without flavor!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      August 22, 2022 at 4:46 pm

      Isn’t it adorable? Thanks Shelby!

      Reply
  13. Glenda says

    October 14, 2022 at 1:38 am

    5 stars
    This made a simple and delicious supper. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 14, 2022 at 6:38 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  14. Journa Liz Ramirez says

    October 14, 2022 at 4:12 am

    5 stars
    I love how simple this recipe is. It was so tasty and loved by the fam. Highly recommended!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 14, 2022 at 6:38 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  15. Anjali says

    October 14, 2022 at 7:11 am

    5 stars
    This recipe was so simple but was packed with flavor! It felt indulgent and satisfying and my family loved it!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 14, 2022 at 6:37 pm

      Thank you, Anjali! I'm so happy your family loved it.

      Reply
  16. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

    October 14, 2022 at 7:30 am

    5 stars
    Such a delicious and comforting pasta dish. We are definitely making this again.

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 14, 2022 at 6:37 pm

      Thanks Amanda! Glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  17. Ana F. says

    October 14, 2022 at 8:15 am

    5 stars
    This Penne al Baffo was a hit with the family! It was easy to make plus delicious too. I made the vegetarian version and can't wait to make it again!.

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 14, 2022 at 6:37 pm

      Yay! Thanks Ana. So happy you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  18. Dannii says

    October 14, 2022 at 9:42 am

    5 stars
    We are always looking for new pasta recipes to try and this was delicious. So much flavour!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 14, 2022 at 6:36 pm

      Thanks Dannii!

      Reply
  19. Aimee Mars says

    October 14, 2022 at 9:48 am

    5 stars
    This is probably my favorite penne recipe too! If I had whiskers I'd probably like them too.

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 14, 2022 at 6:36 pm

      Haha, thank you so much Aimee!

      Reply
  20. Emily says

    October 14, 2022 at 7:51 pm

    5 stars
    This was perfect! The shallots and pancetta brought such a great flavor to this dish!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 14, 2022 at 8:04 pm

      Thank you, Emily!

      Reply
  21. Glenda says

    October 15, 2022 at 9:06 am

    5 stars
    What a simple and super flavorful pasta! I hadn't cooked with pancetta before and I was surprised at how much flavor such a small amount can add. I really appreciate you sharing this delicious recipe!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 18, 2022 at 5:10 pm

      Thank you so much, Glenda!

      Reply
  22. MacKenzie says

    October 16, 2022 at 1:56 am

    5 stars
    This Penne cream sauce is delicious. I love the addition of cream to add to the tangy tomato. The sauce is slightly rich and perfectly delicious

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 18, 2022 at 5:10 pm

      Thank you, MacKenzie!

      Reply
  23. Allyssa says

    October 17, 2022 at 7:37 am

    5 stars
    Great recipe! This is really easy to follow, loved this recipe! It's really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 18, 2022 at 5:11 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 21, 2022 at 11:32 am

      Thank you, Allyssa!

      Reply
  24. Shelby says

    October 17, 2022 at 4:20 pm

    5 stars
    I love this penne dish because it comes together easily but always impresses guests when I make it!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 21, 2022 at 11:31 am

      I’m so happy to hear it, Shelby!

      Reply
  25. Lisa says

    October 17, 2022 at 7:11 pm

    5 stars
    The pasta sauce tastes great! We already plan to make it again.

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      October 21, 2022 at 11:30 am

      Oh good! Thank you, Lisa.

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Gen! Welcome to Two Cloves Kitchen. I am a certified professional cook, lifelong recipe creator, writer, editor, and food lover. I use my culinary knowledge to teach you how to utilize your ingredients and equipment to their fullest potential, turning ordinary meals into something exciting with bold, fresh, innovative ideas and flavors.

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