This Bacon and Pea Pasta is a quick and tasty dish. Creamy sauce, salty bacon, and bright green peas come together for a delightful meal that’s perfect for any night!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip this up. I love how the crispy bacon adds that perfect crunch! Pair it with a salad and you’ve got a dinner everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using tagliatelle for its flat shape, which catches the sauce beautifully. You can also use fettuccine or even spaghetti. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free pasta alternative.
Bacon: Crispy bacon is key here! Pancetta works if you want something different, and turkey or chicken bacon can be a lighter option if you’re watching your fat intake.
Peas: Fresh peas add a pop of color and sweetness. Frozen peas are just as good—simply add them a couple of minutes before draining the pasta.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or even non-dairy milk with cornstarch to thicken. Greek yogurt can also work for a tangy twist!
Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can be great substitutes if you need something different.
How Do I Get the Bacon Extra Crispy?
Crispy bacon is a must in this dish, and there’s a simple technique to achieve it right. The trick is to start in a cold skillet. Here’s how:
- Place chopped bacon in a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium.
- Cook slowly, allowing the fat to render out, for about 5-7 minutes until it’s crispy.
- Stir occasionally, so all bits get even cooking.
This way, you avoid burnt edges and end up with perfectly crispy bacon pieces that enhance your pasta!
Bacon And Pea Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes total to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta, and about 20 minutes to bring everything together with the sauce and bacon. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, toss in the peas. Once done, drain both the pasta and peas together, but remember to set aside about 1/2 cup of the pasta water!
2. Crisp the Bacon:
While the pasta is cooking, use a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon, cooking it until it’s crispy and golden, which should take about 5-7 minutes. After it’s nice and crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté Garlic:
In that same skillet, remove some bacon fat but leave about 1 tablespoon. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not burnt.
4. Make the Cream Sauce:
Lower the heat to low and pour the heavy cream into the skillet, letting it warm gently while stirring.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the drained pasta and peas back into the skillet with the garlic and cream. Toss everything together so it’s well coated. Don’t forget to stir in the crispy bacon!
6. Add Cheese and Season:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix it in. If the sauce feels too thick or dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Bacon and Pea Pasta!
Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or impressing friends at a dinner party!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While tagliatelle or fettuccine work great, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as spaghetti or penne. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure it’s al dente.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even plain yogurt mixed with a little milk for a creamy texture. For a non-dairy alternative, try coconut cream or cashew cream!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Feel free to toss in any seasonal veggies you enjoy, such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the cream!