Pasta with Bacon and Peas

This classic Italian dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The salty and smoky bacon pairs beautifully with the sweet peas, creating a harmonious combination that will tantalize your taste buds. The dish is easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a simple lunch, this Pasta with Bacon and Peas is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (227g) pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) pasta cooking water (reserved)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
2. Prepare the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the peas and cream: Stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream (or half-and-half). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the peas to thaw and the cream to heat through.
5. Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta cooking water, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Season and garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (if desired) and additional Parmesan cheese.

Additional Tips

• For an extra creamy texture, you can add a tablespoon or two of butter to the sauce.
• Adjust the amount of pasta cooking water added to achieve your desired consistency. More water will make the sauce thinner, while less water will make it thicker.
• You can substitute frozen peas with fresh peas if they are in season.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes, such as farfalle, orecchiette, or gemelli.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the aromatics.

Nutritional Value

This Pasta with Bacon and Peas dish is a good source of protein, thanks to the bacon and Parmesan cheese. It also provides carbohydrates from the pasta and fiber from the peas. The heavy cream adds a rich and creamy texture, but you can use half-and-half or milk to reduce the fat content. Overall, this dish can be a part of a balanced diet when served with a side salad or vegetables.