5 from 34 votes
Creamy Pasta Shells with Sweet Peas and Bacon
Creamy Pasta Shells with Sweet Peas and Bacon combines tender short pasta shells with crisp bacon, sweet peas, sautéed shallots, and a rich cream sauce enriched by Parmigiano cheese. The sauce is thickened slightly with reserved pasta water, creating a smooth coating that binds the ingredients. This combination offers a balance of savory, creamy, and sweet flavors with contrasting textures.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
657 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
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!
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 657
% 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.