Pea Pasta
User Reviews
3.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4 -6
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Calories
695 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Pea Pasta
Description
Pea Pasta is prepared by cooking pasta until just shy of done, then simmering frozen peas with broth, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the peas soften and the sauce slightly reduces. The cooked pasta is then added to the skillet to finish cooking in the flavorful broth. Butter and fresh Parmesan cheese enrich the dish, while crispy bacon bits add texture and a smoky, salty dimension. The recipe allows choice in pasta shape and broth type, making it adaptable to available ingredients.
The final dish combines tender pasta coated in a light, slightly creamy sauce with bursts of sweetness from peas and savory depth from garlic and bacon. The cooking method of finishing pasta in the sauce absorbs flavors and keeps the pasta moist. Adding reserved pasta water helps maintain a smooth sauce consistency if it begins to dry.
This pasta works well as a main dish due to its mixture of carbohydrates and protein from bacon and cheese. The simplicity and ability to use various pasta shapes and broth options make it convenient for everyday meals.
Using store-bought bacon bits is acceptable, though frying fresh bacon and using the drippings instead of butter will deepen the flavor. This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to taste by adjusting seasoning or broth type.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta - see note 1
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups peas frozen
- 1 ½ cup broth - see note 2
- 5 garlic clove thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1 cup Bacon see note 3, crispy, bits
Instructions
- Bring a large pan of water to a boil for the pasta.
- Salt the water generously (at least 1 tablespoon) and add the pasta, set the timer for 1 minute less than the packet suggests.1lb/450g pasta1 tablespoon salt
- While the pasta is cooking, add the olive oil, frozen peas, broth, sliced garlic, salt, and pepper into a skillet. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until the peas are soft. (there will still be plenty of broth left in the pan)3 tablespoon olive oil3 cups frozen peas1 ½ cup broth5 garlic cloves - thinly sliced½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Use a large measuring cup to reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and add it to the peas. Cook over medium heat, turning the pasta over in the broth to finish cooking.
- Add the butter and the parmesan, and continue to stir.2 tablespoon butter1 cup grated parmesan
- If the pasta starts to look dry, add ¼ cup (or more) of the pasta cooking water.
- Taste the dish, adding more salt and pepper if needed, and then serve sprinkled with the bacon bits and extra parmesan.1 cup bacon bitsextra parmesan -to serve
Notes
- Any pasta shape can be used, including spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, farfalle, penne, rigatoni, or spirals.
- Vegetable or chicken broth/stock may be used depending on preference.
- Store-bought bacon bits are convenient, but frying your own bacon and using its drippings in place of butter adds flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4-6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 695 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 695kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 80g | 27% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 22mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 1436mg | 60% |
| Potassium | 428mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 10g | 40% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 928IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 31mg | 34% |
| Calcium | 276mg | 28% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
3.9
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