This bacon and pea pasta is a tasty mix of crunchy bacon, sweet peas, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a great weeknight meal!
You’ll love how the crispy bacon adds a nice touch and that pop of green from the peas makes it feel fancy! I often whip it up when I’m short on time, and it always hits the spot!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works best, but you can easily swap in other pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta which cooks similarly.
Bacon: Regular bacon adds great flavor, but you can use turkey bacon for a leaner option or even pancetta for a more gourmet touch. If you’re vegetarian, try using smoked tempeh or mushrooms for that savory taste.
Peas: Fresh peas are delightful, but frozen peas are super convenient and work just as well. You could also try spinach or asparagus if you want to mix things up and add different greens!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice salty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy, or try vegan Parmesan alternatives. Always adjust according to your taste!
How Do I Get the Bacon Extra Crispy?
Getting your bacon nice and crispy is key to making this dish great. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a cold skillet and add the chopped bacon. This helps render the fat better.
- Cook over medium heat, allowing the bacon to sizzle gently. Don’t rush it! Cook for about 6-8 minutes.
- Keep stirring occasionally, so it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
- Once crispy, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess grease. This keeps it crunchy!
Remember, the bacon will stay nice and crispy even after adding it back to the pasta, so don’t worry about it losing its crunch. Enjoy cooking!
Bacon And Pea Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine pasta
For the Sauce:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen green peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, reserved
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bacon and Pea Pasta takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying your meal in about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by filling a large pot with water, adding a generous amount of salt, and bringing it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (still a bit firm). Just before draining, be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. After reserving, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the pan and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and crispy—this should take around 6-8 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any extra grease.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet with all that yummy bacon fat, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. If the pan looks a little dry, you can add a splash of olive oil for extra flavor. Just be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the Peas:
Next, throw the peas into the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through and tender. This gives a nice splash of color to our dish!
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, and add the drained pasta. Pour in about half of the reserved pasta cooking water and toss everything together until it’s well combined and heated through.
6. Stir in Cheese and Parsley:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss again until the cheese melts and creates a lovely light sauce. If the mixture looks a bit dry, add more reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Season and Serve:
Finally, season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy each delicious bite of your comforting Bacon and Pea Pasta!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and adds extra fiber. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as it may take a bit longer to become al dente.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Peas?
No worries! Frozen peas work perfectly in this recipe. Just add them straight to the skillet without thawing; they’ll cook quickly in just a few minutes!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and sauté some chopped mushrooms in olive oil for that savory flavor. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the dish.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently and add the pasta, stirring in a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it up.