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
Scale
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.
