Bacon and Pea Pasta is a yummy dish that brings the best together! The crispy bacon adds a lovely crunch, while sweet peas give it a bright pop of color and flavor.
This meal is perfect for busy nights. I love how quickly it comes together—just cook the pasta, fry the bacon, stir in the peas, and you’re done! Quick and delish! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I often use casarecce because its twists hold onto sauce really well. Penne is great too! If you want gluten-free options, try rice or corn pasta instead.
Bacon: Streaky bacon gives a nice crispy texture. You can swap it for turkey bacon for a lighter version, or use pancetta for a richer flavor.
Peas: Fresh peas are lovely, but frozen peas are super convenient and taste great! If you don’t have peas, try using chopped spinach or broccoli for a different twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds creaminess and a salty punch. Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can be used if you need an alternative, and nutritional yeast works for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Cook the Pasta Perfectly?
Making sure your pasta is just right is key for this dish. You want it al dente, which means firm but cooked through. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large pot of salted water—that helps flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but taste the pasta a minute or two before the time is up.
- When it’s ready, don’t forget to reserve some of the pasta water. It’s great for adjusting the sauce later!
With these tips, your Bacon and Pea Pasta will be a hit every time! Enjoy your cooking journey!
How to Make Bacon And Pea Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 300g dried pasta (such as casarecce or penne)
- 150g fresh or frozen peas
- 150g bacon rashers (streaky or back bacon), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and bacon, and then a few minutes mixing and sautéing everything together. It’s a quick meal that’s both satisfying and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add in your dried pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm but cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but check the package for specifics!
2. Add Peas:
When your pasta has about 3 minutes left to cook, toss in the peas. This way, they can cook alongside the pasta, making them perfectly tender and bright.
3. Cook the Bacon:
While the pasta and peas are cooking, heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook it until crisp and browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be deliciously crispy!
4. Add Garlic:
Once the bacon is nice and crispy, add the finely chopped garlic into the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn and become bitter.
5. Combine Pasta and Reserve Liquid:
Drain the pasta and peas, but make sure to save about ½ cup of the cooking water—this will help make your sauce nice and smooth later!
6. Mix It All Together:
Bring the drained pasta and peas into the frying pan with the bacon and garlic. Toss everything together so the pasta gets covered with the flavors.
7. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Off the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. If the mixture looks a bit dry, add a splash of your reserved pasta water to help create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta well.
8. Final Seasoning:
Give everything a good mix and then season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, the bacon and Parmesan are salty, so taste before adding too much salt!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Bacon and Pea Pasta right away! If you want, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish that combines crispy bacon, sweet peas, and tender pasta! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While casarecce and penne work great, you can use any pasta you have on hand like fusilli, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options such as rice pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Peas?
No worries! Frozen peas are a perfect substitute and can be added directly to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking, just like fresh ones. They’ll taste wonderful!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and add some sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a similar umami flavor. You can also increase the amount of garlic or add other veggies like spinach for extra nutrition!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist, and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave!