When it comes to comforting weeknight dinners, Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon holds a special place in my heart. This delightful dish has all the elements I absolutely love: it’s quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and has a nice, creamy consistency that just makes my taste buds dance. I can still recall the first time I made this for my best friend during a cozy dinner at home. Let’s just say we both went back for seconds and ended up in a joyful food coma on the couch while binge-watching our favorite series. Ah, good times!
What I adore about this recipe is how it brilliantly combines the crispiness of bacon with the sweetness of peas, and the Parmesan cheese ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s fantastic for using up those random bits of ingredients lurking in your fridge! I promise, even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this dish—let’s get started on making magic in your kitchen!
What’s in Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon?
- Penne pasta: A classic choice for many pasta dishes! Any other short pasta like rigatoni or ziti can also be used, but I find that the ridges in penne really hold the sauce.
- Frozen peas: These little gems bring a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Fresh peas can be great too, but frozen ones are often sweeter and more convenient!
- Bacon: Who can resist crispy bacon? I like to use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor. If you need a healthier version, turkey bacon works nicely as well.
- Olive oil: This helps with sautéing and adds a lovely flavor. You can use extra virgin olive oil for a more robust taste.
- Onion: A finely chopped small onion adds sweetness and depth—and it makes the house smell amazing while cooking!
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must; it elevates the dish with its aromatic goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: This cheesy goodness melts beautifully into the pasta, adding a decadent creaminess. I usually opt for freshly grated, it makes all the difference!
- Salt and black pepper: Just the right touch to season the dish—don’t be shy, taste as you go!
- Fresh parsley: This is for garnish, adding a splash of color and freshness, not to mention some added flavor!
Is Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon Good for You?
This pasta dish is certainly comfort food at its best, and while it might not be the lightest option out there, it offers some great benefits! The peas provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making you feel fuller for longer. On the other hand, bacon brings richness and flavor but does have its fair share of fat and sodium, so moderation is key! If you’d like to lighten it up a bit, you can ease up on the bacon or even substitute it with some sautéed mushrooms or smoked turkey for a different twist.
Ingredients List
- 250g penne pasta
- 150g frozen peas (or fresh, if preferred)
- 150g bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon?
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the peas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and tender.
- Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir well. Combine the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, tossing to mix with the peas, onion, and bacon.
- Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Remove from heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Tips for a Perfect Penne Pasta Experience
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics!
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an added twist!
There you have it—the wonderfully simple and delicious Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon that’s sure to bring smiles and satisfied bellies around your dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it and hope it makes as many joyful memories in your kitchen as it has in mine. If you make this dish, feel free to share your experience with me—I’d love to hear how you put your unique spin on it! Happy cooking!
