There’s just something about pasta that wraps you in a cozy hug, don’t you think? It’s like a warm blanket on a chilly evening! My bacon and pea pasta is one of those dishes that brings all the comfort without all the fuss. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in no time—perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want to treat yourself. I remember the first time I made it; the smell of crispy bacon sizzling in the pan filled my kitchen, and as soon as I took that first bite, I was hooked! The combination of salty bacon and sweet peas tossed in rich cream is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a favorite in your home too!
Ingredients List
For this delightful bacon and pea pasta, you’ll need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g pasta: Any shape you love works—spaghetti, penne, or fusilli are all fantastic choices!
- 100g bacon, diced: Choose your favorite kind of bacon; the crispy bits are what make this dish shine!
- 150g peas: You can use frozen peas for convenience, or fresh ones if you’re feeling fancy.
- 200ml cream: This gives that luscious, creamy texture that ties everything together.
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated: Freshly grated is best, adding a wonderful cheesy flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season, as it brings out all those delicious flavors!
With these ingredients on hand, you’re just a few steps away from a comforting meal that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare *Bacon and Pea Pasta*
Making this delightful bacon and pea pasta is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy, delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s dive right in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the 200g of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente perfection.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large pan over medium heat. Toss in your 100g of diced bacon and cook until it’s golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will have your taste buds dancing!
- Once the bacon is crispy, add the 150g of peas to the pan. If you’re using frozen peas, they’ll only need about 2-3 minutes to warm up. Fresh peas will cook just as quickly!
- Next, pour in 200ml of cream, stirring gently to combine everything. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 2 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
- Now, it’s time to add the cooked pasta right into the pan. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated in that creamy sauce.
- Finally, sprinkle in 50g of grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese has melted and everything is perfectly mixed!
- Serve warm, and enjoy every comforting bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Creamy and flavorful, with the perfect balance of salty bacon and sweet peas.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
- Only a handful of ingredients, making it budget-friendly!
- Customizable for your taste—add garlic, switch up the cheese, or try different pasta shapes!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
This bacon and pea pasta is wonderfully versatile, and I love how easy it is to switch things up! If you want to give it a twist, consider swapping out the bacon for pancetta—it adds a lovely depth of flavor. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some minced garlic when cooking the bacon to elevate the aroma and taste. You could also use chicken or turkey bacon for a leaner option that still satisfies. And if you’re vegetarian, just omit the bacon altogether and add some sautéed mushrooms for that savory touch. Don’t forget, you can mix in different pasta shapes depending on what you have on hand; it’s all about making this dish your own! The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Tips for Success
To make sure your bacon and pea pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip salting your pasta water—it really enhances the flavor of the noodles. Be sure to cook the bacon slowly over medium heat to get that crispy texture without burning it. If you want to add a bit more depth, try using freshly cracked black pepper instead of pre-ground; it makes a big difference!
When adding the cream, keep the heat low to avoid curdling—just a gentle simmer will do. And for serving, I love to garnish each plate with a little extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your creamy pasta dish with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness of this bacon and pea pasta, it’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
With a good balance of protein, carbs, and that satisfying creamy goodness, this dish is not just a treat for your taste buds but also provides a hearty meal to keep you energized!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas are delightful in this dish. Just be sure to cook them for a minute or two longer than frozen peas to ensure they’re tender.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the bacon and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve!
What can I serve with bacon and pea pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to soak up that creamy goodness. You could also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a nice touch!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if it seems dry.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the bacon and add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for that hearty flavor without the meat.
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even more delightful, I recommend pairing your bacon and pea pasta with a fresh, crisp salad! A simple arugula and cherry tomato salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette complements the creaminess of the pasta perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something a little heartier, crusty garlic bread makes a fantastic side for soaking up all that delicious sauce. You could also serve it with a light soup, like a minestrone, for a cozy, comforting dinner that’s sure to satisfy!
Imprimer
Bacon and Pea Pasta: A Comforting 25-Minute Delight
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 2 servings 1x
- Alimentation: None
Description
A creamy pasta dish with bacon and peas.
Ingrédients
- 200g pasta
- 100g bacon, diced
- 150g peas, frozen or fresh
- 200ml cream
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, cook bacon until crispy.
- Add peas to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add cooked pasta to the pan.
- Stir in grated Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute bacon with pancetta for a different flavor.
- Add garlic for extra taste.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 35g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: bacon and pea pasta
