Whole Wheat Pasta with Lemon and Walnuts

½ pound whole wheat pasta of choice

1 tablespoon EVOO

3 tablespoons EVOO

2 cloves garlic- minced

4 slices pancetta- diced

½ cup toasted walnuts- chopped

jest and juice of 1 small lemon

fresh ground black pepper

red pepper flakes to taste

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup parsley- chopped

½ cup reserved pasta water

 

In skillet heat 1 tablespoon EVOO and then add pancetta and sauté until crisp.  Remove pan from heat and add the 3 tablespoons EVOO and garlic stirring so you do not brown the garlic.   Next add in the walnuts, lemon jest, and lemon juice and return pan to the burner.  Stirring add in the pasta water and pasta.  Cook just to heat through then add the parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.  Transfer to pasta bowls or plates and serve with Parmesan cheese.

 

** Optional~~add 1 cooked chicken breast- diced