Creamy Pea and Pancetta Pasta Recipe: A Luxurious Weeknight Fix

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that pack serious flavor.

This creamy pea and pancetta pasta emerges as a delightful solution for busy home cooks seeking comfort on a plate.

Crispy pancetta adds a salty crunch to tender green peas nestled in silky sauce.

Parmesan cheese melts into luxurious ribbons, creating depth with each twirled forkful.

Fresh herbs bring brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream and pork.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Creamy Pea Pancetta Pasta: Why It Works

• Whip Up Quickly: This pasta dish comes together in mere minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Elevate Ordinary Ingredients: Simple frozen peas, pancetta, and everyday pantry staples transform into a restaurant-worthy meal that feels luxurious and sophisticated.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge – vegetarian? Skip pancetta. Want more greens? Add extra arugula. The recipe welcomes personal touches and adaptations.
• Balance Flavors Perfectly: Creamy parmesan meets bright lemon juice, salty pancetta complements sweet peas, creating a harmonious blend that delights every taste bud.

Ingredients For Creamy Pea Pancetta Pasta

• Fusilli Pasta: A spiral-shaped pasta that captures sauce perfectly in its twists.
• Pancetta: An Italian cured pork belly that adds rich, salty flavor to the dish.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet and tender green vegetables that provide freshness and color.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard Italian cheese that adds sharp, nutty depth to the sauce.

• Garlic, Black Pepper, Lemon Juice, Salt, Olive Oil: These ingredients enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the pasta dish.
• Arugula: A peppery green that adds a fresh, slightly spicy finish to the creamy pasta.

Cooking Creamy Pea And Pancetta Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Drop fusilli into a pot of salted boiling water.

Cook until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Before draining, carefully scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water – this liquid gold will be your secret weapon for creating a silky sauce.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Pancetta

Heat a skillet and add olive oil.

Toss in pancetta and let it sizzle and dance until it turns a gorgeous golden brown, releasing its irresistible salty flavor.

This should take about 5-6 minutes.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Quickly add minced garlic to the pancetta.

Sauté for just 30 seconds – watch carefully to prevent burning.

The goal is to release those aromatic oils without scorching.

Step 4: Introduce the Peas

Slide frozen peas into the skillet.

Stir them around for about 30 seconds, allowing them to warm up and become bright green and tender.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in cream and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.

Keep the heat low to prevent boiling, which could cause the cream to separate.

Step 6: Boost the Flavor

Sprinkle in black pepper and a splash of lemon juice.

These ingredients will add depth and brightness to the sauce.

Step 7: Melt in the Cheese

Gradually add parmesan, stirring between each addition.

Watch as the cheese melts and creates a luxurious, silky texture.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Introduce the cooked pasta to the skillet.

Add about a quarter cup of reserved pasta water.

Let everything simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat every pasta curve.

Step 9: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Gently fold in half the arugula.

Transfer to serving plates and top with remaining arugula and an extra sprinkle of parmesan.

The fresh greens will add a peppery brightness to the creamy pasta.

Chef’s Creamy Pasta Tips To Try

• Keep the cream sauce at a gentle simmer to maintain smooth consistency and prevent curdling.
• Toast pancetta slowly to develop rich, crispy texture and release maximum flavor into the dish.
• Reserve pasta water strategically, using it to adjust sauce thickness and help ingredients bind perfectly.
• Add fresh arugula at the end to preserve its peppery crunch and vibrant green color.
• Taste and adjust seasoning carefully since pancetta and parmesan are naturally salty ingredients.

Change Up Your Creamy Pea Pasta Routine

• Vegetarian Pea Pasta: Replace pancetta with smoked tofu or tempeh, sautéed until crispy. Use vegetable broth instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap fusilli with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Keep the creamy sauce and peas for a lighter meal.

Serve Creamy Pea Pancetta Pasta Hot

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a vibrant, aromatic finish that adds brightness to the creamy pasta.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, creamy sauce and salty pancetta.
• Texture Boost: Add toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smooth, velvety pasta texture.
• Side Salad Companion: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish’s richness and provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint.

Store Leftover Creamy Pea Pasta Like This

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Note that cream-based sauces might slightly separate upon thawing.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of pasta water or milk to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add small amount of liquid if sauce seems dry.

FAQs

• Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?

Yes, bacon works well as a substitute. Just ensure it’s diced and cooked until crispy for similar flavor and texture.

• Is it okay to use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Fresh peas are great! Just blanch them briefly in boiling water before adding to the sauce to maintain their bright green color and tender texture.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fusilli is ideal, but other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle will also work perfectly and hold the creamy sauce well.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace pancetta with crispy mushrooms or roasted pine nuts for a similar salty, umami flavor profile. Use vegetable broth or extra cream to maintain richness.

Creamy Pea and Pancetta Pasta Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Silky strands of pasta dance with Sweet Pea and Pancetta, creating a harmonious Italian-inspired symphony of flavors. Crispy pancetta and tender green peas nestled among al dente noodles promise a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Main Ingredients:

• 220 grams (7.7 ounces) dried fusilli pasta
• 120 grams (4.2 ounces) pancetta (cut into small cubes)
• 120 grams (about ¾ cup) frozen peas

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• Salt to taste

Dairy and Garnish:

• 3/4 cup cream
• 65 grams (2.3 ounces) parmesan (finely grated)
• 1 cup packed arugula
• Extra parmesan for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook fusilli until perfectly tender, maintaining an al dente texture. Set aside a cup of starchy pasta water for later use.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and crisp pancetta over medium temperature until it turns golden and slightly crunchy, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Quickly introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring rapidly to prevent burning, and cook for a brief 30-second interval.
4. Add frozen peas directly into the skillet, gently stirring to distribute evenly and warm through for another quick 30 seconds.
5. Pour cream into the mixture, reducing heat to create a gentle simmer without allowing the liquid to boil aggressively.
6. Enhance the sauce with fresh cracked black pepper and a splash of bright lemon juice for depth of flavor.
7. Gradually incorporate parmesan cheese, allowing each addition to melt smoothly into the developing sauce.
8. Introduce cooked fusilli to the skillet, combining with sauce and integrating ¼ cup reserved pasta water to create a silky, cohesive texture.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and additional black pepper, using extra pasta water if the sauce requires further loosening.
10. Delicately fold half the arugula into the pasta, then plate and garnish with remaining fresh arugula and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Swap pancetta with bacon or turkey bacon for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• For a vegetarian version, replace pancetta with crispy mushrooms or smoked tofu to maintain umami depth.
• Gluten-free pasta works perfectly, ensuring the dish remains accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Control sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a silky smooth texture that clings beautifully to fusilli.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 780 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg