The rich, spicy pastelike mixture can be spread on crusty bread, though it’s more commonly diluted and used as a soup base or pasta sauce ... we use salty cured pancetta as a stand-in.

Mixed with smoked pancetta, Boursin cheese ... If you're a lover of seafood and you've got a packet of shrimp in your freezer, this homemade pasta flavoring is absolutely heavenly.

Once the pasta is ready, drain and return it to the pan. Add the pancetta mixture and stir through well. Season with some pepper (I find it does not usually need salt because of the salty parmesan ...