Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon Recipe
Introduction
This penne pasta with peas and bacon is a simple yet satisfying dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner for four.
Ingredients
- ¾ pound penne pasta
- 6 thick slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Add the frozen peas halfway through the pasta’s cooking time to thaw and cook them gently.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onion and bacon pieces together until the bacon is crispy and the onion is soft and translucent.
- Step 3: Drain the cooked pasta and peas, then return them to the skillet with the onion and bacon mixture.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Serve the pasta hot for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use pancetta instead of bacon for a slightly different, yet equally rich flavor.
- Add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese before serving for extra creaminess.
- Swap frozen peas with fresh peas in season for a brighter taste.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a cashew cream alternative.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the pasta seems dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, other small pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle work well with this recipe.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and sauté the onion with mushrooms or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
PrintPenne Pasta with Peas and Bacon Recipe
A quick and delicious penne pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sweet peas, sautéed onions, and a creamy sauce made with heavy cream. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- ¾ pound penne pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ yellow onion, diced
Meat and Sauce
- 6 thick slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Peas: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions. Add the frozen peas halfway through the pasta cooking time so they cook perfectly alongside the pasta.
- Sauté Onion and Bacon: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced yellow onion and bacon pieces. Sauté until the bacon is crispy and the onions are translucent and flavorful.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta and peas are cooked, drain them thoroughly. Add them to the skillet with the bacon and onions, stirring everything together to combine the flavors.
- Add Cream and Season: Pour the heavy cream over the pasta mixture in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot immediately to enjoy the full flavors of the creamy bacon and peas.
Notes
- You can substitute the penne pasta with any short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté mushrooms or smoked tofu instead.
Keywords: Penne pasta, bacon pasta, creamy pasta, peas pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe
