Pasta with Bacon and Peas
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this creamy Pasta with Bacon and Peas, a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. This recipe pairs al dente pasta with crispy, smoky bacon, sweet bursts of tender peas, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Seasoned with garlic, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, this dish achieves the perfect balance of richness and fresh, vibrant flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a versatile meal that works with your favorite pasta shapes, and the optional parsley garnish adds a touch of color and freshness. Perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings, this pasta recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (such as fusilli, penne, or spaghetti)
- 6 slices Bacon
- 1 cup Frozen peas
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the bacon slices to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
In the same skillet, discard all but one tablespoon of the bacon fat and add the olive oil.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Add the frozen peas to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
Stir in the cooked pasta, chopped bacon, and about half of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding more pasta water as needed for the desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2148 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 138.7 g | 178% | |
| Saturated Fat | 72.7 g | 364% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 368 mg | 123% | |
| Sodium | 3443 mg | 150% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 132.0 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.9 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.0 g | ||
| Protein | 77.4 g | 155% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 980 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 5.3 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 882 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
