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Bacon and Pea Pasta

Bring something special to the table with this well-loved recipe.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 7 servings
Calories: 605 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 13 oz (370g) dry small pasta, small bowties, small shells, or small elbow pasta
  • 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup (90g) grated parmesan, plus more to serve
  • 1 cup (90g) grated pecorino cheese, or parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons Frying oil
  • 12 oz (340g) thick-cut bacon, or leftover ham
  • 2 medium onions
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or broth
  • 1/2 cup pasta cooking water or more broth
  • 4 cups (21 oz/600g) peas
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • chili flakes to taste, optional
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the pasta al dente (it should have a bite to it) in a large pot, about 30-60 seconds shorter than the time on the package. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and add it back to the pot, put it back on the burner over low heat.
  2. Add the broth and warm up. Add both types of grated cheese, in about 4 additions, and stir until the cheese is mostly melted. Set aside.
  3. Dice the bacon and onions, finely chop garlic. Grate the cheese on the small holes of a block grater.
  4. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat. When hot add the bacon. Cook for a couple of minutes until browned. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a plate.
  5. Add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes or until soft and translucent. Add the garlic, and cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Add the wine and cook for a couple of minutes or until reduced in half.
  7. Add the pasta cooking water and peas. Cook for about a minute until warm (or for 2-3 minutes if peas are frozen).
  8. Add the peas and bacon to the pot with pasta. Stir until evenly distributed.
  9. Season the pasta with lemon juice, chili flakes, salt and pepper.
  10. Serve with more grated parmesan and enjoy!

Notes

  • If using leftover ham, I also like to brown it in the pan to get more flavor.
  • White wine adds flavor and acidity to the dish, you could add broth instead if you don't want to use it but you may need to add a little bit more lemon juice.
  • If you'd like your bacon to stay very crispy or you've used thinly sliced bacon, you can reserve it and sprinkle it on top of your pasta when ready to serve.
  • Calories = 1 serving (1/7 of the recipe). This is only an estimate!

Nutrition Information

Calories 605kcal (30%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 7servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 605

% Daily Value*

Calories 605kcal 30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.