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Pasta with Peas & Pancetta

Creamy Pasta with Peas & Pancetta for Quick Dinner Joy

Enjoy a delightful Creamy Pasta with Peas & Pancetta that transforms simple ingredients into a magical meal in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta Penne or rigatoni works beautifully, but use any shape you love!
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup pancetta, diced Bacon is a great substitute for a smokier touch.
  • 1 cup frozen peas Frozen peas are best for their peak flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Essential for sautéing pancetta.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic brings a robust aroma.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated adds umami richness.
  • Salt and black pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust based on your preference.
For Garnish
  • chopped parsley Optional for freshness and vibrant color.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of your favorite pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of diced pancetta and cook for about 4-6 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
  3. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup of frozen peas into the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat. If the mixture feels too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency.
  6. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Optionally sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, serve immediately and enjoy the creamy sauce fresh. Reserve pasta water for a silky texture.

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