parsnip and pancetta tagliatelle with parmesan and butter

• 12 slices of pancetta or dry-cured smoked streaky bacon, preferably free-range or organic
• 1 handful of fresh rosemary, thyme or summer savory, leaves picked
• 4 good knobs of butter
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely sliced
• 2 parsnips, peeled, halved and finely sliced lengthways
• 455g dried tagliatelle
• 3 good handfuls of grated Parmesan cheese
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

main courses | serves Serves 4
Parsnip and pancetta together are slightly unusual but make a bloody good combo. Since discovering how well they work I've been using them in soups, risottos, roasts and casseroles.

In a large, non-stick frying pan, fry your pancetta and herbs in half the butter for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and parsnips. Cook for a further 3 minutes on a medium heat, until the pancetta is slightly golden and the parsnips have softened nicely. Cook your tagliatelle in salted boiling water according to packet instructions, then drain, reserving a little of the cooking water. Mix the pasta with the parsnips and pancetta and stir in the rest of your butter and the Parmesan, adding a little of the cooking water to loosen the mixture and make it creamy and shiny. Season to taste.