A simple recipe for Pasta with Peas and Bacon, this lightly creamy pasta dish can be made in less than 25 minutes and is perfect as a light lunch or dinner.
Sometimes the day calls for something simple, and that's where this easy pasta recipe comes in.
Bacon in cream sauce is such an underrated combination. The saltiness of the bacon is complemented so well with the rich depth of the cream. Spring peas and a burst of fresh lemon juice and zest brighten everything up and prevent the dish from getting too heavy.
I am always looking for fun and delicious new combinations for pasta dishes. The possibilities are close to endless and you can make them as simple or as complicated as you would like. Some of our favorite more involved pasta dishes are steak gorgonzola and spicy chicken pasta.
Ingredients
- Pasta: Truly any shape will do here, use your favorite!
- Peas: Seasonal produce is a great addition to pasta dishes, and that's what shines in this bacon pea pasta. I used frozen peas, but if you can get your hands on fresh, go for it!
- Lemon: Fresh lemon zest brightens up this dish and keeps it from becoming heavy.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is best if you can.
- Bacon: Bacon is one of the main flavoring agents in this simple pasta dish, so don't skimp. You can also sub in pancetta instead if you would like.
- Pasta water: Make sure to reserve some pasta water when draining to add to the sauce. This helps emulsify the sauce as well as thicken it.
- Shallots and Garlic: Shallots offer a milder onion flavor with garlic packs more of a punch.
- Basil: Fresh is great here if you can.
How to make pasta with peas and bacon
Step 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, and reserve ½ cup of pasta water to use later.
Cook bacon until crispy and remove with a slotted spoon to a plate to the side.
Step 2. To the same pan with bacon grease, add shallots and garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3. Deglaze pan with reserved pasta water and add heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
Step 4. Reduce to thicken for 3-4 minutes. Add lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Step 5. Add bacon in bacon, cooked pasta, frozen peas, and chopped basil.
Step 6. Stir to combine and top with fresh parmesan cheese if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Double the Sauce: If you like a super saucy pasta dish, feel free to double the cream sauce ingredients.
- Switch up the vegetables: I think asparagus cut up into bite-sized pieces would be wonderful! Any tender veggies would work-- think baby spinach, asparagus, green beans.
- Serve it cold: This pasta can be served hot or cold. Try it warm to start and then enjoy the leftovers as a cold lunch the next day.
What to pair with bacon pea pasta
Serve this easy to make pasta dish on on its own or paired with any of the following.
- honey balsamic sauteed mushrooms
- grilled chicken or air fryer chicken thighs
- bavette steak
- ninja foodi salmon
- roasted vegetables
- rocca salad
- Shrimp Scampi without Wine
more easy pasta recipes
- Gigi Hadid Pasta (Spicy Vodka Sauce Pasta)
- Lemon and Arugula with Capellini Pasta
- Chicken Spinach Alfredo Pasta with Bacon
- creamy boursin pasta with peas and chicken
Did you enjoy this Pasta with Peas and Bacon? I would love for you to let me know by leaving a comment and star rating. I can't wait to hear from you!
Pasta with Peas and Bacon
Ingredients
- ½ lb pasta such as mini farfalle
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon juice and zest
- 6 pieces bacon chopped
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 shallot small dice
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp. fresh basil approximately
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, and reserve ½ cup of pasta water to use later.
- Cook bacon until crispy and remove with a slotted spoon to a plate to the side.
- To the same pan with bacon grease, add shallots and garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
- Deglaze pan with reserved pasta water and add heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Reduce to thicken for 3-4 minutes. Add lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Add bacon in bacon, cooked pasta, frozen peas, and chopped basil.
- Stir to combine and top with fresh parmesan cheese if desired.
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