Creamy Pasta with Bacon and Peas
Updated
Updated
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.
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5 Star Review
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.
Creamy Pasta with Bacon and Peas
Ingredients
- 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
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.
Did you make this? Leave a rating below!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.
This was easy & delicious! I used milk instead of half & half just to make it a bit lighter for summertime & it was amazing. I will definitely be making this again.
A must try Receipe
Just made this for lunch and it was delightful. Made exactly as recipe called for and did not deviate… I think…next time… we will add more peas.. simply because they were delicious … when you got that bite of bacon an pea together
This was so quick and easy to make. I followed the recipe and it was delicious! I love bacon, but can’t have too much, so I may substitute with some chopped grilled chicken next time!
I can’t wait to make this…it looks awesome!
One question. Do you drain the grease or leave it in the mix?
If your bacon is very lean and doesn’t render a lot of fat, then I wouldn’t drain the grease (since that will add to the flavor), but if there is a lot of grease left in the pan, I would drain off all but a tablespoon.
I. just made this and it was good! My daughter also liked it so we will make this again!
what s half and half…
It looks amazing! How nig is each serving? One cup, two cups, half cup?
Am in Australia, whats half and half please ??
Hi Rita – it’s equal parts heavy cream and whole milk.
Heavy cream and milk. Usually added to desserts and coffee and soups
Finally made this today. It was great. Did not change anything accept maybe a little more bacon then called for because I had extra really good bacon. Everyone loved it. The fresh grated Parmesan really brought it home. Definitely a keeper.
Got up craving this!
I’m now enjoying it for breakfast
Can’t wait for leftovers tmw!
Thank you!
What kind of Pasta used in the photo? Curious
Ditalini – probably my favorite tiny tube shaped pasta!
Looks delicious! I had something similar from a local Italian restaurant. Do you serve this dish on its own or do you add any sides? Perhaps it would pair well with a simple green salad?
I serve it as the main meal. With bacon and peas, it’s quite a substantial pasta dish.
Do you think using 2% milk would work in this, to lighten it up a little? Hubby and I are needing to eat lighter, but this sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jami – you can, the dish just won’t be quite as rich. Since milk is thinner, you most likely won’t need any extra water at the end (which is fine.) I’m sure it will still be delish!
I used tiny cubed ham instead of bacon and we loved it. Super easy and so much flavor.
I have the pickiest child on the planet but this was a hit!
Thank you!
Great quick and easy dinner! Made tonight with corn instead of peas and everyone took 2nds. Looking forward to lunch leftovers tomorrow!
This has been on my “to make” list for awhile. Finally made it last night & it was delicious. I loved that it only made 4 servings. Need to find more dishes like that since I live alone.
Glad you finally made it and it worked out for you!
Oh my gee!! Just finished eating this delicious meal, all four kids and hubby absolutely loved it! Well done x
Wow. We’re enjoying a big plate full right now for lunch, and it’s heavenly! I love that it’s quick to throw together for lunch during our homeschool day, without creating a mountain of dishes. And, my kids are eating peas!
Right?? Isn’t that the best?! Thanks, Tracy!
Could frozen edamame be used in place of the peas?
Sure! Although it will render a slightly different flavor. Also, when you defrost edamame is it cooked? If not, you’ll want to, otherwise they won’t cook enough when added to the half and half.
LOVED IT!
Very good. Made this and the French Coconut pie tonight. My poor tummy. My 3 yr old grand daughter loved the pasta, then asked for pie.
This looks to me like it could be served warm or cold. I live in the South and we LOVE our summertime salads and/or one dish meals on those very humid evenings. Will definitely give it a shot!
Hi Gen – the cream, unlike a vinaigrette or white wine sauce, does not lend well to being eaten cold, fyi. I recommend serving it right from the pan or heated up the next day if you have left overs.
This recipe was so easy and delicious, thank you!
New favorite pasta dish, thank you!
Single guy here. Made this and it was easy and very good. Would make again.
I don’t want this. I NEED it.
When a food blogger makes a recipe every month for YEARS…you know it has to be good!
I’m happy you reposted it! This looks so, so yummy. :)
You know what’s stupid? We don’t have half and half in Germany. I bet I can make my own, though. Yay! This is on the list. :)
Half and Half is simply a mix of half cream and half milk.
I honestly think peas and pasta were made to go together. Forget this peas and carrots stuff. Peas and pasta, my friends, that’s where it’s at. Also, cream. YUM.
So glad to see Ditalini being used… it’s like the forgotten noodle.
Oh yes, this little bit of lovely is definitely going to happen! I’m actually craving something I’ve never had before…weird, but it’s happening. Thankfully I haven’t hit the store yet today!
Yes. Peas, pasta, bacon and half and half. Enough said.