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Overhead image of spaghetti noodles in a cream sauce with bacon and peas.
4.81 from 247 votes

Pasta with Bacon and Peas

This creamy pasta with bacon and peas is an easy one-pan dinner recipe made with simple pantry ingredients. Flavorful, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 705kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces dry spaghetti noodles
  • 12 ounces thick-cut bacon - diced into small pieces
  • ½ onion - minced (or 2 shallots)
  • 3 cloves garlic - minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese - grated
  • reserved pasta water - see notes
  • salt and black pepper - to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (I usually add at least 1 tablespoon of salt) and cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (or until al dente). Reserve 1 cup of boiling pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
  • As the pasta cooks, cook the bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven set over medium to medium-high heat until it is cooked, crispy, and the fat is rendered. Remove the bacon from the pan using a slotted spoon and drain it on a plate lined with paper towels.
  • Set the pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the onion in the rendered bacon fat until it is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1 minute.
  • Add the chicken broth and the frozen peas. Cook just until the peas have thawed then stir in the heavy cream (adding more cream for a richer sauce).
  • Bring to a gentle simmer and stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese.
  • Return the cooked bacon to the sauce and add the cooked pasta. Gently toss to combine. Slowly add some of the reserved pasta water, as needed to thin the sauce.
  • Season with additional salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with the remaining grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • This recipe can be made with any pasta shape or pasta noodle.
  • This recipe is best when it is made with heavy cream. Add more heavy cream to make a heavier, richer, cream sauce.
  • The reserved pasta water is already hot, salty, and starchy. Reserve at least one cup and add to the sauce if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 705kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 883mg | Potassium: 459mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 626IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 2mg
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