Pasta with Bacon and Peas
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or any other pasta shape of your choice.
- 4 strips of bacon: Cut into small pieces.
- 1 cup (150 grams) of frozen peas: Thawed.
- 1 small onion: Finely chopped.
- 2 cloves of garlic: Minced.
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of heavy cream.
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of chicken or vegetable broth.
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) of grated Parmesan cheese.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional): For a bit of heat.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional).
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until they become crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and starts to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Peas and Broth:
- Add the thawed peas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Create the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the cream heat through and slightly thicken, which should take about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Bacon:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Add the cooked bacon pieces and toss again to distribute them evenly.
- Finish the Dish:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy!
Tips:
- For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for added depth and brightness.
- Vegetable Options: You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers if you have them on hand.
- Cheese Variations: Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or a similar hard cheese for a different flavor profile.
This Pasta with Bacon and Peas recipe combines the savory flavors of bacon with the sweetness of peas and the creaminess of a rich sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner. Enjoy your meal!
