Pasta with Peas and Bacon
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Sweet peas and crispy bacon add the perfect contrast to the creamy sauce in this Pasta with Peas and Bacon recipe. Made in just 20 minutes, it’s the kind of pasta you’ll return to throughout the year.
Try my Creamy Pasta with Pancetta and Peas and Tortellini alla Panna with Peas.
Quick Look: Pasta with Peas and Bacon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 people
- Dietary Info: Can be made gluten-free
- Method: Cream-based sauce + pasta toss
- Technique: Build the sauce with cream, Parmesan, peas, and bacon, then toss with pasta shells
- Flavor & Texture: Rich, creamy, smoky, fresh
A Family Favorite From My Kitchen
I love how this pasta starts with simple ingredients and transforms into something everyone enjoys. Sweet peas add a fresh pop of flavor, while the creamy sauce coats each pasta shell and holds every delicious bite. I always add the bacon at the end so it stays perfectly crisp and adds a savory crunch throughout the dish.
While the pasta cooks, the rest of the ingredients come together in one skillet, making this an easy meal to prepare on busy days. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano is the perfect finishing touch. It’s a simple recipe that brings everyone to the table and is ready in about 20 minutes.
Serve with Italian Bread.
Made With Amore,
“This recipe was AMAZING! She gives the perfect instructions and ingredient ratios. I’m Italian myself and really picky. We loved this recipe and will be using it in the future!”
– Cassandra
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
A few carefully chosen ingredients come together to create a pasta dish with rich flavor and comforting textures.
- Pasta Shells: Capture the creamy sauce in every bite.
- Sweet Peas: Add a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Bacon: Brings a smoky taste and adds a crisp texture to the pasta.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the smooth sauce.
- Parmigiano Cheese: Adds flavor and finishes the dish with classic Italian taste.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use a Different Meat: Swap bacon for pancetta, prosciutto, or Homemade Italian Sausage for a different flavor. You’ll also like this Peas and Pancetta side dish.
- Add More Vegetables: Add mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, or fresh herbs for extra flavor and color. Try my Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Asparagus next!
- Cheese Variation: Replace Parmigiano with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
How to Make Pasta with Peas and Bacon
This is the kind of pasta that feels familiar from the first bite. Follow the step-by step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon or pancetta and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving a thin layer of the drippings in the pan. Add the butter and shallot to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the reserved pasta water and heavy cream.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmigiano cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the drained pasta and toss until every shell is coated in the sauce. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top and gently toss once or twice, leaving plenty on top for texture and crunch.
Pasta with Peas and Bacon FAQs
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream, milk, or water to bring the sauce back to life.
The biggest difference between pancetta and bacon is that bacon is smoked and pancetta is salt-cured and dried. Both work well in this recipe!
I highly recommend the ‘petite’ pea or ‘baby’ sweet pea variety. Compared to the standard green pea, petite peas are smaller in stature with a more tender skin, and a delicately sweet flavor.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this creamy pasta with simple Italian-inspired dishes that complement its rich sauce and savory flavors. Pair it with a fresh Pear Gorgonzola Salad, Parmesan Roasted Broccoli, or a side of No Knead Italian Ciabatta Bread to complete the meal. For a heartier dinner, serve it alongside Baked Chicken Breasts with a dessert like Lemon Crinkle Cookies.
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue to absorb sauce as it sits.
- Reserve the pasta water before draining. It’s the secret to a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Add the bacon at the end so it stays crisp and doesn’t soften in the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the peas. They should stay bright green with a slight pop when you bite into them.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
More Pasta Recipes
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Pasta with Peas and Bacon
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon or pancetta, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cups petite peas, frozen is fine
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmigiano cheese, more for topping
- 1 pound short pasta, such as small shells
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon or pancetta and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving a thin layer of the drippings in the pan.
- Add the butter and shallot to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmigiano cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the drained pasta and toss until every shell is coated in the sauce. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top and gently toss once or twice, leaving plenty on top for texture and crunch. Mangia!
Notes
- Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue to absorb sauce as it sits.
- Reserve the pasta water before draining. It’s the secret to a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Add the bacon at the end so it stays crisp and doesn’t soften in the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the peas. They should stay bright green with a slight pop when you bite into them.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
So easy to make, the ultimate comfort food on a sub-zero night here in upstate NY
So glad this dish could bring you a bit of comfort and warmth! Enjoy.
So delicious! It’s a quick, easy recipe which is always a plus in our house.
This is on rotation at our home right now. So easy and the children love it!
This recipe is a keeper! Made this for dinner in no time and it was a hit. So much so, there were no leftovers. 😢
Happy everyone loved it! We NEVER have leftovers of this pasta meal either. good thing it is quick to make and you can make it again soon. All the best, Elena
Easy, delicious! My favorite kind of recipe.
It is a delicious one to make time and time again! Thanks Jeanie.
Again, another easy and quick meal that was so delicious. The flavor was wonderful. My toddler loved the mini shells and peas. I think I accidentally hoarded the bacon.
Yes! This is a great meal for kids. The bacon is the best 😉
We make this meal often and the kids adore it!
This is now one of my family’s favorite meals. It’s a go-to when we want something quick and delicious.
Creamy, sweet, salty … the perfect blend of flavours. We all loved it and I will make it again!
Yes! It is a great mix of flavors. Thank you.
Perfect weeknight food, when you’re “hangry” and you can’t wait for dinner! 🙂 Sometimes I use Salsiccia instead of bacon.
Ha! Perfect explanation of this easy and filling meal.
Delicious!
Happy you loved it!
I loved this recipe! It was delicious!
Thank you! It is an easy one to make and love!
I made this for our New Years Eve dinner and even my picky 10 and 3 year old boys loved it! I did add some rotisserie chicken for some extra protein
So happy everyone loved it! It is always a crowd pleaser here too.
Best, Elena