Savory Penne Pasta, Peas and Bacon Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delightful penne pasta with peas and bacon promises a culinary adventure that sparks joy in your kitchen.

Crispy bacon bits add a smoky crunch to this classic comfort dish.

Fresh green peas bring vibrant color and sweet notes to the plate.

Creamy textures meld with salty undertones, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each forkful tells a story of simple ingredients working harmoniously together.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this easy-to-make recipe.

Serving Penne Pasta With Peas And Bacon

• Family Feast Finale: Gather everyone around the table, creating a warm dining experience where each person can customize their plate with extra cheese and personal flair.
• Rustic Serving Style: Use large, deep pasta bowls that showcase the creamy texture and vibrant colors of the penne, bacon, and peas, making the dish visually appealing.
• Comfort Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette or crusty garlic bread to complement the rich, creamy pasta and add refreshing contrast.
• Wine Harmony Match: Pair with a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay that balances the bacon's smokiness and cream's richness without overpowering the delicate flavors.

How To Keep Penne Pasta Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Bacon and cream might slightly change texture upon thawing.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of cream or milk to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Why should I add peas halfway through cooking pasta?

Adding peas midway ensures they cook perfectly without becoming mushy, maintaining their bright green color and fresh texture while saving you an extra pot for cooking.

• Can I use different types of bacon?

Absolutely! You can use pancetta, Canadian bacon, or even turkey bacon as alternatives. Just ensure it’s finely diced and crisps up nicely to provide that savory flavor base.

• How do I prevent the cream from separating?

Keep the heat low-medium and stir constantly when adding cream. This helps create a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling or breaking down the sauce’s consistency.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! Most children love pasta, and the combination of bacon, peas, and creamy sauce makes this a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize with cheese for picky eaters.

Penne Pasta, Peas And Bacon: Simple Crowd-Pleaser

• Whip Up a Quick Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta dish comes together in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for quick and satisfying dinners.
• Savor Flavor-Packed Comfort: Crispy bacon and creamy sauce create a mouthwatering combination that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Let guests sprinkle their preferred amount of cheese, making this recipe flexible and fun for families and gatherings where individual tastes matter.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking technique mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal together.

Ingredients For Penne Pasta With Peas And Bacon

• Penne Pasta: A classic Italian pasta shape that perfectly catches the sauce and provides a hearty base for the dish.
• Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the pasta.
• Frozen Peas: Brings a sweet, fresh element and vibrant green color to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the onions and bacon while adding a smooth, rich base.
• Onions: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pasta and cooking water.
• Cheese: Allows guests to customize their dish with an extra layer of flavor.

How To Make Penne Pasta With Peas And Bacon

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring to a rolling boil and drop in the penne.

About halfway through cooking, toss in frozen peas.

Cook slightly less than package directions to keep pasta wonderfully al dente.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Heat a large skillet over medium-high.

• Finely chopped onions
• Diced bacon

Sizzle until bacon turns crispy and onions become golden and translucent.

Step 3: Combine and Cream

Drain pasta and peas, then transfer directly into the skillet with bacon and onions.

Reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream.

Gently toss everything together, allowing the cream to coat each pasta piece.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Stir the mixture until it’s heated through and sauce reaches a silky consistency.

If needed, add more cream for extra richness.

Quickly transfer to warm pasta bowls.

Step 5: Final Touches

Invite guests to sprinkle their desired amount of cheese on top.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Pro Tip: Remember the Italian saying – pasta waits for no one, so have everyone ready to enjoy this delectable dish straight from the stove!

Tips For Perfect Penne Pasta With Bacon

• Boil pasta one minute less than package instructions to maintain perfect al dente texture, ensuring a delightful bite every time.
• Cook bacon and onions at medium-high heat until they're crispy but not burnt, creating a rich, flavorful base for the dish.
• Add heavy cream gradually and stir well, adjusting the amount to reach your desired sauce consistency and creamy richness.
• Serve immediately after cooking to prevent pasta from becoming soft and losing its delicious texture, following the classic Italian pasta philosophy.
• Let each guest sprinkle their preferred amount of cheese, allowing personalization and making the meal interactive and fun.

Creative Spins On Penne Pasta Combo

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace bacon with roasted mushrooms or zucchini for a meat-free version, using vegetable broth instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
• Gluten-Free Penne Alternative: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to transform the dish with Mediterranean flavors and extra zest.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute penne with cauliflower rice or spiralized cauliflower for a low-carb, keto-friendly adaptation that maintains the creamy texture.

Penne Pasta, Peas and Bacon Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory penne pasta with crispy bacon and sweet peas dances across your plate in a delightful Italian-inspired melody. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 bacon (thick slices cut into small slices)
• 0.75 pounds (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup peas (frozen)

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• 0.5 yellow onion (diced very small)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat.
2. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, reducing total cooking time by 1 minute to ensure al dente texture.
3. When pasta reaches halfway point of cooking, introduce frozen peas directly into the boiling water.
4. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature.
5. Add finely diced onions and bacon to the skillet, sautéing until both turn crispy and golden without burning.
6. Drain pasta and peas thoroughly using a colander, then transfer immediately into the skillet with bacon and onions.
7. Reduce skillet heat to medium and pour in heavy cream, gently coating all ingredients.
8. Stir mixture carefully to ensure even distribution of cream and ingredients.
9. Add additional cream if sauce appears too thick, creating a smooth and silky consistency.
10. Transfer pasta to large serving bowls immediately to maintain optimal temperature and texture.
11. Encourage guests to sprinkle their desired amount of cheese over the dish.
12. Serve hot and remind diners that pasta waits for no one, emphasizing the importance of enjoying immediately.

Notes

• Perfectly time your pasta cooking to maintain that ideal al dente texture, removing it from boiling water just one minute before the package instructions suggest.
• Choose high-quality bacon for maximum flavor, ensuring it’s crisp but not burnt when sautéing with onions in olive oil.
• Keep heavy cream at room temperature before adding to prevent sudden temperature shock that might cause separation.
• For dietary variations, substitute bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon, and use lactose-free cream for those with dairy sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 493 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg