Scarparo sauce: the sauce with Italian name but Argentine flavor

Welcome to Paulina Cocina! If there's one thing we love about this blog, it's eating good pasta , and for it to be good pasta, it needs... a good sauce! That's why today we have a very special one: Scarparo Sauce .

While this sauce has a very Italian name, and clearly has Italian origins, in Argentina the original Scarparo sauce has undergone some modifications, or rather, some improvements and new additions. But what exactly does the original Scarparo sauce have?

If you want to know what scarparo sauce , why it's called that, what its original ingredients are and what ingredients were added , what pasta is best for enjoying it, and the best tips for making the scarparo sauce recipe at home, stay tuned for more information.

About Scarparo Sauce

Scarparo sauce is an Italian recipe that comes directly from Neapolitan traditions, famous for its simplicity and intense flavor . Its origin is attributed to the shoemakers of Naples, known as "scarpàri," who prepared it in just a few minutes with whatever ingredients they had on hand.

sauce , which is a cousin of carbonara sauce , has a twist in Argentina . In fact, the original scarparo sauce doesn't exist in Italy as such; instead, there is a "scarpariello" sauce, which has some ingredients in common with the local version.

In Argentina, the sauce recipe includes tomato , pancetta (bacon), and cream to give it an intense, creamy flavor , and in some cases, ham as well. The result is a hearty pasta sauce that coats the noodles well and has that silky creamy touch we love.

What does “scarparo” mean and where does this sauce come from?

The word "scarparo" comes from Italian and means "shoemaker ." The sauce owes its name to the shoemakers of Naples, who used to prepare an original scarparo sauce with basic ingredients like tomato, basil, and grated cheese. 

Originally from Italy, this sauce was simple and focused on the freshness of its ingredients. But upon crossing the ocean, the Argentinians added pancetta and cream , and this version was born. This recipe proves that the most delicious food sometimes comes from creative adaptations.

8 Features of the Scarparo Sauce Recipe

1. Creamy : Cream is key to achieving that smooth and pleasant texture that children and adults alike enjoy.
2. Smoky touch : Thanks to the bacon, the sauce has a deep and slightly smoky flavor.
3. Aromatic : Garlic, spring onion and a touch of basil give it an unmistakable aroma.
4. Tasty : White wine and grated cheese enhance the flavor and give it a sophisticated touch.
5. Simple and quick : Scarparo sauce doesn't require hours in the kitchen, because it's ready in just a few minutes.
6. Full-bodied : Thanks to the cream and grated cheese, which give it texture.
7. Balance of flavors : Between the smokiness of the bacon and the acidity of the tomato sauce. A feast!
8. Versatile : It combines well with different types of pasta and can even be used for lasagna or cannelloni .

How to make simple scarparo sauce

To make scarparo sauce at home, you don't need to be an experienced chef. Simply heat the pancetta until golden brown and crispy, add the spring onion, then the tomato sauce, and finally, the cream.

• Optionally, the scarparo sauce can include ham and a touch of white wine to give it more flavor.

Let everything cook until thickened and top with a generous amount of grated cheese and a handful of fresh basil . With these simple steps, you can have a scarparo sauce in just a few minutes.

What type of pasta does scarparo sauce go best with?

Scarparo sauce is versatile and pairs well with almost any pasta recipe. But here are some suggestions in case you have any questions:

1. Fettuccini : This long, flat pasta allows the sauce to adhere well.
2. Penne : Its tubes are ideal for capturing bits of bacon.
3. Tagliatelli : Another flat pasta that rolls up perfectly with this creamy sauce.
4. Ravioli : If they're made with ricotta or spinach, they create a spectacular contrast with the sauce. And if you have homemade ravioli dough , even better!
5. Gnocchi: Delicious potato gnocchi sautéed in a scarparo sauce is a delicacy from the gods.

8 Tips for Making Scarparo Sauce

1. Using smoked pancetta: The pancetta is key in this recipe, and the smoky note is part of the scarparo sauce's flavor. Not to be confused with salted pancetta!
2. Don't overdo it with the cream: Just the right amount of cream allows the sauce to have body without losing the flavor of the tomato and bacon.
3. Add the grated cheese at the end: So that it melts just before serving and gives it that final creamy texture.
4. Use fresh basil : The flavor of basil is irreplaceable, and it also adds freshness and color to the dish.
5. Don't forget the green onion: This ingredient is the extra touch of flavor.
6. Avoid overcooking the cream : The cream should be heated only until it thickens slightly; if it is overcooked, it may curdle.
7. Adjust the salt at the end : The cheese and bacon are already salty, so it's best not to overdo it.
8. Add freshly ground black pepper : It adds a spicy touch that enhances the flavor of the cream and cheese.

Seguime on Instagram ( here )

And on YouTube that I upload new recipes every week ( click here )

Scarparo Sauce Recipe

Yields: 4 portions

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 150 g of strips of bacon
• 100 g of sliced ham (optional)
• 1 green onion, chopped
• ½ glass of white wine (optional)
• 1 clove of minced garlic (optional)
• 1 cup of milk cream
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 handful of chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup of grated cheese 
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make scarparo sauce step by step

1. In a large skillet, cook the strips of bacon until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the green onion over medium heat until translucent. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds of cooking, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the white wine (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to evaporate the alcohol. Then, add the tomato sauce, mix well, and cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Add the reserved pancetta, the ham pieces (if using), and the cream. Mix well and cook over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Turn off the heat and, while still warm, add the grated cheese, stirring until melted. Add the chopped fresh basil just before serving. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
6. Remove from heat and serve hot over freshly cooked pasta.