The aroma of sizzling bacon fills the kitchen, mingling with the fresh scent of peas and cream. This Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta is not just a dish; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and wraps you in comfort like your favorite blanket on a chilly evening.
Picture this: a cozy dinner with friends, laughter echoing around the table as you serve up this creamy delight. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just getting through another Tuesday night. Each forkful promises a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Its rich, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with crispy bacon for flavor fireworks.
- The vibrant green peas add a pop of color and nutrition.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you have lying around!
A memorable moment was when I whipped up this recipe for my friends, who couldn’t stop raving about it until they practically licked their plates clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pasta: I recommend using fettuccine or penne for its ability to hold onto the creamy sauce.
Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for that crispy texture and smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
Fresh Peas: Opt for sweet, fresh peas if possible; they add color and sweetness to balance the savory components.
Cream: Use heavy cream for a rich sauce; half-and-half works too if you want something lighter.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-packaged options.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic kick that makes every bite irresistible.
Onion: A sweet onion will caramelize beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Always season your pasta water and sauce to enhance all the flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add sliced bacon. Cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet with bacon drippings, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in heavy cream while scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Toss Everything Together: Add cooked pasta along with reserved pasta water gradually until desired creaminess is achieved. Mix in crispy bacon and fresh peas gently until warmed through.
Season and Serve!: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired, enjoying every creamy bite!
This Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta is not just food; it’s a celebration on a plate! So grab your fork, dig in, and relish in every comforting mouthful!
You Must Know
- Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta is a delightful blend of flavors that come together effortlessly.
- The creamy sauce coats each pasta strand, while the crispy bacon adds that perfect crunch.
- Don’t forget the vibrant green peas for a pop of color and sweetness.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, then crisp the bacon in a separate pan. Combine everything with a creamy sauce at the end for a luscious finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out bacon for pancetta or add grilled chicken for extra protein. A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten up the dish beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive the sauce.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect pasta, always salt your water generously; it makes all the difference.
- Cook your bacon until crispy but not burnt, as it adds crucial flavor.
- When mixing the pasta with sauce, reserve some pasta water to adjust creaminess if necessary.
Cooking this dish reminds me of my college days when I tried impressing my friends with my “chef skills.” They were skeptical until they tasted this creamy delight and gave me a standing ovation—well, sort of!
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta for Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well; just follow cooking instructions on the package.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a delicious vegetarian twist.
What type of cream should I use in this recipe?
Heavy cream works best for achieving that rich and creamy texture everyone loves.
Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta
Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta is a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and vibrant colors, perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe features al dente pasta coated in a luscious cream sauce, crispy bacon, and sweet peas. In just under 30 minutes, you can serve a delightful dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup fresh peas (or frozen)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water; drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in the bacon drippings until translucent.
- Stir in heavy cream and scrape up browned bits. Add Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water for desired creaminess. Mix in bacon and peas until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Substitute pancetta for bacon or add grilled chicken for extra protein. A sprinkle of lemon zest can enhance flavor freshness.
