5.0 from 51 votes
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.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 657 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 6 trips 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
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
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
% 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.