Pasta e fagioli is especially good made with diced end of prosciutto or pancetta, unsmoked Italian bacon, both of which add flavor to the soup.

The bits of pancetta (Italian bacon) were inspired, providing an elusive sparkle to the fluffy pudding.

Pancetta, a cured Italian bacon which is normally not smoked, can be used as a substitute when guanciale is not available.

Coq au vin had an Italian accent with the use of pancetta (Italian bacon) in this rich, winy dish.

But pancetta, Italian bacon, isn't usually one of them.

Only a satisfying penne matriciana, with its lusty sauce of tomatoes, onions and Italian bacon, offered no surprises.

Crumbled up pieces of crisp grilled pancetta (Italian bacon) add texture.

The rigatoni cremonese, in a Parmesan cream sauce with baby peas, onions, and Italian bacon, was bland and merely adequate.

I've never been a fan of the pungent sprouts, but the diced Italian bacon cut the bitterness and added flavor.

Pancetta is Italian streaky bacon, smoked or aqua (unsmoked), with a strong flavour.