Creamy Pasta Shells with Sweet Peas and Bacon
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
657 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Creamy Pasta Shells with Sweet Peas and Bacon
Description
This recipe involves boiling salted pasta shells until tender, reserving a small amount of pasta water before draining. Meanwhile, bacon pieces are cooked until golden and crisp, then set aside. A small amount of bacon fat remains in the pan to add flavor as butter and chopped shallots are sautéed until softened. Sweet peas are added and briefly cooked to retain their slight bite and natural sweetness.
The drained pasta and reserved pasta water are combined with the cream in the pan, simmered gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Parmigiano cheese is stirred in off the heat to melt smoothly into the sauce. The cooked bacon is returned to the pan and combined with the sauce and pasta, coating each shell with the creamy mixture.
The dish highlights the contrast of textures between the crispy bacon, tender pasta, and the sweet peas with a luxurious cream sauce. It serves well as a comforting main course or a cozy dinner option.
Ingredients
- 6 trips Bacon cut into chunks, or pancetta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large shallot finely chopped
- 2 cups petite peas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmigiano Cheese more for topping, freshly grated
- 1 pound short pasta such as small shells
- ¼ cup water reserved pasta water
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 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)
- 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.
- Drain off all but a thin layer of bacon grease from the pan. Reduce heat under the pan to low-medium.
- 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.
- 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 DetailsNutrition 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.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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