Description
Creamy Pasta with Peas & Pancetta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender pasta, crispy pancetta, sweet peas, and a rich Parmesan-infused creamy sauce. This easy skillet recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or an impressive yet simple meal to share with guests.
Ingredients
Dry Pasta & Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Meat
- 1/2 cup pancetta, diced
Dairy & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the pancetta: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta is crispy and golden brown.
- Sauté garlic and peas: To the skillet with pancetta, add the minced garlic and frozen peas. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the peas are warmed through and the garlic is fragrant.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Season and serve: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute pancetta with bacon or prosciutto if pancetta is unavailable.
- Frozen peas can be replaced with fresh peas in season for a sweeter flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad and a glass of white wine.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
