Bacon and Pea Pasta is a quick and tasty dish! With crispy bacon bits mixed with sweet peas and pasta, it’s a perfect combo of flavors. It’s so easy to whip up, you’ll be enjoying it in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works beautifully for this dish. However, feel free to swap in other pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free pasta which cooks similarly.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds that crunchy, smoky flavor. For a lighter option, turkey bacon or even pancetta can work well. If you want a vegetarian version, consider using sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for a hearty bite.
Peas: Fresh peas are nice, but frozen peas are just as great! They thaw quickly and maintain their sweet flavor. If peas aren’t available, consider substituting with asparagus or even broccoli florets for a different twist.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese gives a great flavor, but if you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just note that it may slightly change the flavor!
How Do You Get the Bacon Just Right?
Cooking bacon to crispy perfection is key to this dish! Here are some tips:
- Use a large skillet to give the bacon plenty of space. This helps it cook evenly.
- Start with a cold pan on medium heat. This allows the fat to render out more effectively.
- Cook slowly; resist the urge to crank up the heat. It ensures more even cooking and crispy results.
- Once it’s crispy, don’t forget to drain it on paper towels to absorb excess grease!
This way, you’ll have the perfect bacon bits to sprinkle over your pasta, adding that delicious crunch!
Delicious Bacon And Pea Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend a few minutes boiling the pasta and cooking the bacon, with a bit more time on mixing everything together for a creamy and delicious meal. Quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta and Peas:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. For the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the peas into the pasta water to cook along with the pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta and peas, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Crisp the Bacon:
While your pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook it until it becomes crispy and browned, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove the bacon using a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet. If it seems a bit low, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Add Garlic:
In the same skillet with the remaining bacon fat, add the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant—just be careful not to burn it!
4. Create the Cream Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine and gently heat the mixture until it starts to simmer, which shouldn’t take long.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta and peas to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, mixing until you achieve your desired consistency.
6. Finish with Cheese and Bacon:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the crispy bacon pieces. Mix well until the cheese is melted and everything is combined into a creamy delight. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Then, serve your delicious Bacon and Pea Pasta immediately, enjoying every bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and consider substituting it with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for that savory flavor. You can also add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrition.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
You can prep some components ahead of time! Cook the pasta and peas, then store them separately in the fridge. You can also cook the bacon ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to mix everything together. Just add the sauce when you’re ready to serve!
