Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving. Store the cooked pasta and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh peas work well but need a little extra cooking time. Add them to the boiling pasta water a couple of minutes earlier than you would frozen peas to ensure they are tender.

How can I make this dish lighter?

To lighten up the dish, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or a mix of milk and cream cheese. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce fat content.

Penne Pasta, Peas and Bacon

Name: Penne Pasta, Peas and Bacon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¾ pound penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ yellow onion, finely diced; 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 1 cup frozen peas; ¼ cup heavy cream; Salt and black pepper to taste; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Description

Creamy pasta with peas and crispy bacon is a quick and easy comfort meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Smoky bacon, sweet peas, and a velvety cream sauce come together in just 20 minutes to create a restaurant-quality dish. With simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps, this pasta is an effortless yet satisfying dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

¾ pound penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ yellow onion, finely diced
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 cup frozen peas
¼ cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last two minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the boiling water to soften them. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Sauté the bacon and onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about three minutes. Stir in the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If needed, drain excess grease but keep a small amount for added flavor.
Combine the ingredients: Add the drained pasta and peas to the skillet with the bacon and onions. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Season and serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. If using Parmesan cheese, stir it in at this stage or serve it on top for extra richness. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately while warm.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add an additional tablespoon of heavy cream or a splash of reserved pasta water before serving.
For a smoky flavor boost, use pancetta instead of bacon or a combination of both.
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and sauté mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes with the onions.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Pasta, Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 570 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 231 mg
Fat: 23 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 70 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 17 g
Cholesterol: 42 mg