Creamy Pasta Shells with Sweet Peas and Bacon

User Reviews

5.0

51 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Total Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    6 servings

  • Calories

    657 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Creamy Pasta Shells with Sweet Peas and Bacon

This pasta dish is always a crowd pleaser! We start with delicious sweet peas that get coated in a creamy buttery sauce and finally, tossed with al dente pasta shells to hold all the delicious sauce. Add the bacon at the end to keep it nice and crunchy! You will love fresh pop of flavor from sweet peas and the crunch of savory bacon in every bite. It tastes like home and brings everyone to the table.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 6 strips bacon or pancetta cut into chunks
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 large shallot finely chopped
  • 2 cups petite peas
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano cheese more for topping
  • 1 pound short pasta such as small shells
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water
  • salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions

  1. Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. (Important: When pasta is almost done cooking, use a measuring cup to remove and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water) 
  2. While pasta is cooking, heat a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. When hot, add bacon and sauté until golden and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve for later.
  3. Drain off all but a thin layer of bacon grease from the pan. Reduce heat under the pan to low-medium.
  4. Add butter and shallots. Sauté until shallots are tender, 3 minutes. Add in peas and cook for 3 more minute. Drain pasta and add reserved pasta water to the pan. Add cream. Stir to combine and bring to a low simmer until bubbly, about 3 minutes. The starches from the pasta water will thicken the cream slightly and create a yummy sauce. 
  5. Take pan off heat. Add the parmigiano cheese and stir to combine. Add the hot pasta to the pan. Stir until incorporated. Top with bacon and stir slightly to keep the bacon on top and still crunchy. Add freshly ground pepper, if desired. Sprinkle with extra parmigiano cheese and serve hot! Mangia!  

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 657kcal (33%) Carbohydrates 66g (22%) Protein 21g (42%) Fat 34g (52%) Saturated Fat 17g (85%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Monounsaturated Fat 11g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 79mg (26%) Sodium 405mg (17%) Potassium 418mg (12%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 1090IU (22%) Vitamin C 20mg (22%) Calcium 157mg (16%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 657 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 657kcal 33%
Carbohydrates 66g 22%
Protein 21g 42%
Fat 34g 52%
Saturated Fat 17g 85%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Monounsaturated Fat 11g 55%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 79mg 26%
Sodium 405mg 17%
Potassium 418mg 9%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 1090IU 22%
Vitamin C 20mg 22%
Calcium 157mg 16%
Iron 2mg 11%

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

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5.0

51 reviews
Excellent

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