This Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon recipe combines crispy bacon and sweet, tender peas with a rich and creamy sauce that clings to each strand of pasta. The dish is balanced in texture and flavor, making it a satisfying option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
The preparation is simple, and the ingredients are pantry staples, making this an easy go-to meal. Serve it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner, this pasta will become a family favorite in no time.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic to the bacon fat and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chicken broth and peas, cooking for 2-3 minutes until peas are heated through.
- Reduce heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta and cooked bacon back to the skillet. Toss to combine.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
10 Other Ways to Name the Same Dish:
- Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta Delight
- Rich Pasta with Bacon and Sweet Peas
- Italian Pasta with Bacon and Green Peas
- Bacon and Pea Pasta in Creamy Sauce
- Savory Pasta with Bacon and Fresh Peas
- Hearty Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta
- Crispy Bacon and Creamy Pea Pasta
- Penne with Bacon and Pea Cream Sauce
- Pasta with Bacon, Peas, and Parmesan Cream
- Comforting Bacon and Pea Pasta Bowl
The Pasta with Peas and Bacon is a classic Italian-inspired dish that brings together a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the peas perfectly balances the savory and salty notes of the crispy bacon, while the cream sauce adds a rich and comforting element to every bite. This dish is not only delicious but also quite simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
One of the great aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can use different types of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, depending on your preference or what you have in your pantry. If you want to make it lighter, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Additionally, you can add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrients.
This recipe is sure to please everyone at the table, from picky eaters to gourmet food enthusiasts. With minimal preparation time and easily accessible ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe that you can rely on for a comforting, satisfying meal. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad, and you have a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Pasta with Peas and Bacon is a comforting dish that brings together the creaminess of pasta, the vibrant sweetness of peas, and the crisp, salty flavor of bacon. It’s a recipe that captures the essence of Italian home cooking—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and an effortlessly elegant presentation.
Key Ingredients:
- Pasta: The base of the dish can be adapted with different pasta shapes. Short pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are ideal as they hold onto the creamy sauce, allowing for a perfect bite each time.
- Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory quality that complements the other ingredients. The bacon fat left in the skillet also serves as a flavorful base for sautéing the aromatics.
- Peas: The peas bring a pop of freshness and color, contrasting beautifully with the richness of the cream and bacon.
- Cream: The heavy cream creates a silky, luxurious sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan provides a nutty, umami flavor that adds depth to the sauce and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Cooking Tips:
- Pasta Cooking Water: Save a bit of the pasta cooking water when draining. This starchy water can be added back to the sauce to achieve a silky texture and help the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Don’t Overcook the Peas: The peas should be added towards the end of cooking to maintain their bright green color and slight crunch.
- Seasoning: Since bacon and Parmesan are already salty, it’s best to taste the dish before adding extra salt to prevent over-seasoning.
Serving Suggestions:
Pasta with Peas and Bacon pairs well with a crisp, green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the pasta. You can also serve it alongside a slice of toasted garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up any leftover sauce. For beverages, a glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc will complement the creamy texture of the dish without overpowering the flavors.
Customizations:
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences. For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative like oat cream or coconut milk. You can also add in other vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms for extra nutrients. For those who want more protein, cooked chicken or shrimp make great additions.
Overall, Pasta with Peas and Bacon is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a quick, satisfying meal with restaurant-quality flavor. It’s comforting, delicious, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
Pasta with Peas and Bacon is a delightful and versatile dish that perfectly marries simplicity with flavor. With its creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and sweet peas, it offers a satisfying meal that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress.