Pancetta and Porcini Pasta

Directions

1. Lay the lasagna sheets on a cutting board and cut them into long strips about one and a half centimetres wide. Set aside. 
2. Soak the dried porcini mushrooms in one cup of hot tap water for 10 to 15 minutes to rehydrate and soften the mushrooms. Place a large pot of well-salted water over high heat and bring to a boil.
3. Meanwhile, dice the pancetta and add to a cold sauté pan. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the pancetta is crisp, about two to three minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pancetta from the pan, leaving the rendered fat behind, and set aside.
4. Add a little oil to the pan along with the shallot. Season with salt and pepper and cook until tender and slightly golden, about two to three minutes. Remove the porcini mushrooms from their steeping liquid reserving the liquid for later, squeeze gently to remove excess water, and roughly chop them before adding to the pan. Continue to cook on medium heat for two to three minutes. 
5. Add the white wine, scraping up any stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pan, and cook down to reduce the wine by half. Scoop half a cup of the porcini steeping liquid into thecarefully leaving leave any grit that may have settled at the bottom ofluidliquid behind and discard the rest. Simmer until the liquid has reduced by about half. Add it back into the pan and turn the heat down to low.
6. Cook the pasta in the boiling water for two or three minutes or just until al dente. Transfer the pasta from the pot directly into the mushroom mixture and stir in the pesto. Add a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking liquid to bring everything together. Keep the pasta warm over low while you make the crunchy topping.
7. For the topping, add the oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the panko and cook, stirring constantly, until golden and crisp, about one minute. Transfer the panko to a small bowl and allow it to cool slightly before tossing, he cheese and herbs then season to taste with pepper. 
8. Add a splash more of the pasta cooking liquid to t he pasta,if it seems a bit thick then serve immediately sprinkled with the topping and additional cheese, if desired. Enjoy!