If you are craving a dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate, the Bacon and Pea Pasta Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful meal combines crispy, salty bacon with sweet, tender peas and al dente pasta all brought together by a silky Parmesan-infused sauce that clings to every strand. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with something simple yet delicious, this recipe perfectly balances flavors and textures that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Bacon and Pea Pasta Recipe is both straightforward and rewarding. Each element plays an essential role, whether it be the smoky crunch of bacon, the bright pop of peas, or the aromatic depth from garlic and onions.
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti: The perfect pasta base that cooks to a satisfyingly firm bite, ready to soak up all the flavors.
- 6 strips bacon (cut into small pieces): Adds irresistible smoky saltiness and crispy texture to the dish.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Brings a natural sweetness and depth once softened.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Lends aromatic warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base to cook the peas and form the sauce.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a vibrant green color and a delicate sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Provides a subtle herby touch that complements the bacon and peas.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the sauce with a nutty, creamy richness.
- Pepper (to taste): Season to your preference to add a gentle heat and balance.
How to Make Bacon and Pea Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will season the pasta from within as it cooks. Add the spaghetti and cook it al dente according to the package instructions—typically around 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should be tender but still have a little bite, which is key for the perfect texture in this dish.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
While the pasta cooks, take your bacon strips and cut them into small pieces. Kitchen shears make this step quick and easy. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the bacon until it crisps beautifully. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain the excess fat, but crucially, keep that flavorful bacon fat in the skillet for the next steps—it’s liquid gold for flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Onions Until Softened
Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onions soft and translucent without browning them too much, as this will bring out their natural sweetness and create a wonderful flavor foundation.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for just 30 seconds. Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if overdone, so keep an eye on it as it releases its fragrant aroma. This brief step infuses the dish with a lovely warmth.
Step 5: Combine Broth, Peas, and Seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth, toss in the frozen peas, and sprinkle the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. Your goal is to reduce the liquid by about half, intensifying the flavors and letting the peas soften perfectly without losing their vibrant color.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Before draining your pasta, reserve about 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water—this starchy liquid is the secret to a silky sauce. Add the reserved water, grated Parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon pieces into your skillet. Turn off the heat, drain the pasta, and toss everything together. The warmth will gently melt the cheese and thicken the sauce, making it cling luxuriously to each strand of spaghetti. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Bacon and Pea Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil can add a bright, fresh note and a pop of color to your bowl. For extra indulgence, a little more Parmesan on top never hurts, along with a grind of black pepper for a touch of spice.
Side Dishes
This Bacon and Pea Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple side of roasted vegetables. Garlic bread also complements the dish perfectly, offering a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a twirl of extra bacon pieces and peas as a garnish. You can also swirl the pasta into nests for an elegant plating or scoop it into cute ramekins for a charming family-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Because the bacon fat and cheese are already incorporated, the flavors will deepen overnight.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not the best option, as the peas and pasta texture may become mushy upon thawing. It’s better to enjoy the Bacon and Pea Pasta Recipe fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pasta and gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat. This will help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out, reviving some of that freshly-cooked magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully here, feel free to experiment with penne, farfalle, or even fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure your pasta stays al dente.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Bacon and Pea Pasta Recipe?
Yes! You can swap out bacon for smoked tempeh or crispy pan-fried mushrooms to maintain that smoky, savory element while keeping it vegetarian.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast to get that cheesy flavor, and make sure your broth is dairy-free as well.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Fresh peas are a fantastic option if they’re in season. Just blanch them briefly before adding to the skillet so they stay tender and bright green.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?
Adding salt to the boiling water and stirring the pasta occasionally during cooking helps keep it from sticking. Also, tossing the cooked pasta with a little oil or reserved pasta water before mixing with the sauce works like a charm.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the simplicity and flavor harmony in this Bacon and Pea Pasta Recipe. It’s a dish that feels both special and approachable, perfect for any night of the week. I hope you dive into making and savoring every bite as much as I do—it’s truly a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly beautifully.
Print
Bacon and Pea Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Bacon and Pea Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner combining crispy bacon, tender peas, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese tossed with al dente spaghetti. The savory broth-based sauce lightly coats the pasta, creating a comforting dish with a delightful balance of salty and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
Meat
- 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water.
- Cook the bacon: While the pasta cooks, cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears or a knife. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté onion: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer with peas and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the frozen peas and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the liquid reduces by half.
- Combine and finish: Turn off the heat. Add the reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, and cooked bacon back into the skillet. Then, add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly to coat the pasta evenly. Season with pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately while warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting texture.
- Reserve pasta water as it helps to loosen and bind the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain the perfect texture after tossing in the sauce.
