Pasta with Bacon and Peas
Pasta with Bacon and Peas is the perfect weeknight dinner—quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly. With a few simple ingredients you likely already have, it’s a meal that delivers both comfort and satisfaction.
The crispy bacon and tender peas pair perfectly with the al dente pasta, creating a dish that’s as hearty as it is delicious. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a rich, savory finish that elevates the entire meal.
Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner or a side dish, Pasta with Bacon and Peas checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
Pasta with Bacon and Peas Ingredients
In this dish, pasta serves as the comforting base, providing a satisfying texture that absorbs all the flavorful elements. The bacon adds a crispy, savory crunch that elevates the dish with its smoky richness. Onion offers a subtle sweetness, complementing the saltiness of the bacon and infusing the dish with depth. Frozen peas bring a touch of freshness and a burst of color, balancing the richness with their natural sweetness. A sprinkle of Parmesan enhances the flavor with its creamy, nutty notes, while salt and pepper tie everything together, ensuring a perfectly seasoned meal.
Pasta with Bacon and Peas
Pasta with Bacon and Peas is a delightful, simple dish that combines crispy bacon, tender pasta, and the sweetness of peas, all brought together with the richness of Parmesan. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for a busy family dinner or craving a comfort dish, this recipe is easy to put together with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Recipe Tips
- Reserve Pasta Water for Perfect Sauce Consistency
Before draining your pasta, always reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid can be added to the skillet to help create a silky sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. The starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles for a more cohesive dish. - Crisp Bacon for Maximum Flavor
To get the bacon extra crispy, cook it over medium heat and let it brown slowly. This ensures that the fat renders out and you achieve a nice crispy texture. Once done, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces to distribute it evenly throughout the dish, giving every bite a satisfying crunch. - Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste
After combining the pasta with the bacon and peas, be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings. Depending on the type of bacon used, you might need a little extra salt or a dash more pepper. Don’t be afraid to add more Parmesan for a cheesy kick, or sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
What to Serve with Pasta with Bacon and Peas
- Garlic Bread
A classic side dish like garlic bread perfectly complements the richness of the pasta. The crispy, buttery texture of garlic bread provides a nice contrast to the creamy pasta, making it an ideal pairing. Plus, you can dip it into any leftover sauce, adding an extra layer of indulgence. - Mixed Green Salad
A fresh, vibrant mixed green salad can balance out the richness of the pasta. A simple salad of arugula, spinach, and a light vinaigrette offers a tangy contrast that helps cut through the heaviness of the bacon and cheese. It adds brightness to the meal and a healthy element. - Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts, are another great option to serve alongside this dish. The caramelized edges of the vegetables provide a slightly sweet and smoky flavor that complements the savory bacon and Parmesan in the pasta, creating a well-rounded meal.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the pasta for your favorite variety, whether it’s penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just ensure the cooking time is appropriate for the type of pasta you choose. - Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can skip the bacon and substitute it with crispy plant-based bacon or roasted mushrooms for a savory, umami-rich flavor. Additionally, using a plant-based Parmesan will make the dish fully vegetarian. - How can I make the dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the skillet. For an extra kick, try incorporating a finely chopped jalapeño or other fresh chili peppers. - Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare certain elements ahead of time. Cook the bacon and store it in an airtight container in the fridge, or cook the pasta and peas ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine and heat through for a quick meal.
Pasta with Bacon and Peas
Ingredients
- 8 oz. pasta
- 6 oz. bacon
- 1 small onion
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper optional
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook until tender, which will take about 7 to 10 minutes. Be sure to reserve approximately half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
- While the pasta is boiling, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook the bacon until it becomes brown and crispy, then remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving roughly 2 tablespoons behind.
- As the bacon cooks, finely chop the onion. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the remaining bacon grease and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Stir in the frozen peas and add about a quarter cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the peas are heated through.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Finish the dish by topping the pasta with grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and crumbled bacon. Stir to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
