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Pasta with Peas and Bacon is an easy pasta dish that you can make in less than 30 minutes. This creamy and comforting dinner is made with tender pasta, crispy bacon, sweet peas and a light cream sauce.
If you’re looking for a traditional carbonara, this recipe is not it because it doesn’t contain eggs. Instead, this easy recipe comes together with a simple creamy Parmesan sauce, peas and pasta. It’s a great meal for the whole family!
Why You’ll Love Pasta with Peas and Bacon
- Quick dinner: You can have this homemade dinner recipe on the table in less than 30 minutes. Cook the pasta noodles and then everything else comes together in one pan. Serve it any night of the week!
- Customize to fit your taste: Easily adapt this comforting pasta dish with easy ingredient swaps to fit any taste. Kids and adults love this meal!
- It’s the perfect flavor combo: Sweet peas with salty bacon and a creamy sauce is a delicious combination.
What Type of Pasta to Use
This dish works well with any pasta. We love to use spaghetti or linguine since it’s easy to find. However, you can use any type of pasta that you prefer, such as shells or penne pasta. Grab whatever you have in your pantry.
When cooking the pasta, shave two minutes from the packaged instructions to give you al dente pasta. The pasta will continue to cook slightly in the skillet when combined with the creamy sauce.
Variations
- Add leafy greens: Add spinach or kale at the end of cooking until the greens are melted.
- Other veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers or zucchini can also be included in this pasta dish. You will need to saute them before the peas so that they aren’t undercooked and crunchy.
- Seasoning: This recipe calls for salt and pepper. Feel free to add a kick of heat to the dish with the addition of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat the leftovers in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You may also need to add a splash of liquid (jarred pasta sauce, chicken broth or cream) to loosen the mixture while reheating.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this pasta dish. The cream-based sauce is likely to split and the peas can easily turn mushy from the freezing and thawing process.
Other Quick Pasta Dinners
If you love easy and quick pasta dinners, try a few of our favorite recipes.
Did you try this pasta with peas and bacon recipe? Leave a recipe rating and review below.
Easy Pasta with Peas and Bacon
Equipment
- Large wide skillet
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti, (or linguine)
- Kosher salt or sea salt, to taste
- 6 strips standard cut bacon, diced (not thick-cut)
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, (fresh can also be used)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2-1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet set over medium-high heat, fry the bacon until golden and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and drain off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet.
- Saute the onion in the grease left in the skillet until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 30 to 60 seconds, then add the peas. Saute about 2 minutes, until the peas have warmed and any frost melts off.
- Stir in the cream and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, brining the skillet to a simmer and cooking until the liquid is reduced by half. Add the Parmesan, a dash or two of pepper, and lemon juice, tossing well to combine.
- Add the bacon and cooked pasta and toss, stirring in more of the reserved pasta water as needed to smooth out and thicken the sauce. Taste, season with salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve with more Parmesan on the side.
Notes
- Bacon: Use standard cut bacon. Try not to use thick cut bacon as it won’t get as crispy. Pancetta is a good substitute for bacon. If you are conscious of fat, use turkey bacon for reduced fat. Do not use precooked bacon as you need the bacon fat.
Storage: Store leftover pasta with peas and bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat the leftovers in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You may also need to add a splash of liquid (chicken broth or cream) to loosen the mixture while reheating. Gluten free: Use gluten-free pasta if desired. Garnishes: You can garnish with lemon zest for extra flavor or serve with additional Parmesan.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
So easy and absolutely delish!
Super obsessed with the flavors in this pasta! So tasty!