Description
A simple and creamy bacon pea pasta recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes. This comforting dish features crispy bacon, tender peas, and a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce tossed with al dente ditalini pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz. dried ditalini pasta
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 oz. diced bacon
- 2 shallots, minced
- ¾ cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup half-and-half
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Set a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and sauté for about 5 minutes until it is almost crispy.
- Sauté Shallots and Peas: Add the minced shallots to the pan with the bacon. Stir occasionally and cook for 1-2 minutes until the shallots begin to soften. Then add the thawed peas and pour in 1 cup of half-and-half. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for about 2 minutes until it slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving half a cup of the cooking water. Add the pasta directly to the pan with the sauce. Toss to combine thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time only if needed to achieve a silky, smooth sauce consistency.
- Finish with Parmesan: Gradually stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta and sauce mixture until melted and incorporated.
- Serve: Serve the pasta in individual bowls and sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for garnish and added flavor.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Adjust the salt after adding Parmesan cheese, as it is naturally salty.
- For a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half with heavy cream.
- Make sure to thaw frozen peas before adding to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
