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Creamy Pasta with Bacon and Peas

By Amy Flanigan

Updated Apr 22, 2026

Read 32 Reviews

Prep 10 minutes mins

Cook 10 minutes mins

Servings 6

By Amy Flanigan

Updated Apr 22, 2026

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I’ve combined delicious salty bacon and sweet, delicate peas in this quick and easy pasta recipe, ready in only 20 minutes. This Creamy Pasta with Bacon and Peas is one that my entire family loves and requests for dinner over and over.

Easy Pasta with Peas and Bacon Recipe

This pasta dish has graced my table at least once a month for the past five years. I honestly don’t think I can say that about any other meal.

It’s just…really good. Every bite of tiny tender pasta is accompanied by salty crisp bacon and sweet peas, all coated in a creamy sauce. A simple, delicious dinner that I can have ready in about 20 minutes. I make this so often that I know it by heart and my kids have fallen in love with peas. ’Nuf said.

Helpful Tips and Variations

• Use freshly grated Parmesan. For the best flavor and texture, use a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself rather than using pre-shredded versions.
• Include garlic. Sometimes I add fresh minced garlic with the shallots, letting it cook just until fragrant. It adds a subtle savory note that complements the dish without overpowering.
• Add some heat. Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper while the dish cooks. Start small and adjust to taste.
• Use a different onion. If you can’t find shallots, another type of sweet onion (diced very small) works.
• Half and half. This is a common dairy product in U.S. grocery stores. If you can’t find it, you can make your own, or use whole milk—the overall sauce just won’t be as rich or thick.

5 from 32

Creamy Pasta with Bacon and Peas

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Total: 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6

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Delicious salty bacon and sweet delicate peas come together in this 20-minute creamy pasta dish!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Ingredients 

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• ▢ 12 oz. dried ditalini pasta
• ▢ 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ▢ ¼ cup diced bacon, about 4 oz.
• ▢ 2 shallots, minced
• ▢ ¾ cup frozen peas, thawed
• ▢ 1 cup half-and-half
• ▢ salt and freshly ground pepper
• ▢ ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions 

• Set a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
• In the meantime, in a large pan, heat butter over medium heat; add bacon and saute for 5 minutes until almost crispy. Add shallots, stir occasionally until they begin to soften, 1-2 minutes. Add peas and half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper.
• Simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
• Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of the water. Add pasta to the sauce; toss to combine, adding a little bit of the reserved pasta water at a time, only if necessary.
• Serve in individual bowls and sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan on top.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 251mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1935IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 1.1mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

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How to Make Pasta With Bacon and Peas Step by Step

Cook the pasta: Cook 12 oz. dried pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions.

Cook the bacon and shallots: Sauté ¼ cup bacon in 1 tbsp of butter until almost crispy. Add 2 minced shallots and cook until softened, this usually takes me 1-2 minutes.

Add peas and cream: Add ¾ cup frozen, thawed peas and 1 cup half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 2 or so minutes until slightly thickened.

Add the pasta to the sauce: Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, and add it to the sauce. Toss to combine, adding a little bit of the reserved pasta water at a time, only if necessary.

Serve: Serve the pasta in individual bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

Because of the pasta, bacon, and peas, I find this is a hearty dish all in one, but it definitely goes well with a slice of garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce, and a simple side salad, or Caesar salad for a more complete meal.

How to Store

This pasta dish is best served right away. If you do have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend stirring in a little water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce again. This pasta dish does not freeze well.

More Easy Pasta Recipes To Try

• Creamy Corn Pasta features puréed corn, sautéed onion and garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings, which turn into a delicious and luscious sauce.
• Made with bacon, ground beef, cheese, and hot sauce, this Cowboy Pasta Salad does not disappoint.
• My super simple Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is loaded with flavor from the toasted garlic and olive oil sauce.