Pasta with Peas and Bacon
This Pasta with Peas and Bacon is simple Italian comfort food at its best. Sweet peas, crispy bacon, and tender pasta shells are tossed in a silky Parmesan cream sauce for an easy 20-minute dinner the whole family will love.
Servings: 8 servings
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
Elena's Best 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.
- Use freshly grated Parmigiano for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- 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.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture and crunchy bacon.
- 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 493kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 304mg | Potassium: 313mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 817IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 2mg
