Pasta with peas and bacon
This Pasta with Peas and Bacon features a savory blend of crispy bacon, creamy sour cream, and fresh flavours from lemon and spearmint. It's an easy dish that makes for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
12 oz pasta1 cup peas
10 bacon strips
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup light sour cream
2 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp spearmint
Pasta with peas and bacon is a delightful dish that combines the fresh flavors of parsley and lemon with the rich, savory taste of bacon. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both light and satisfying.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Finely chop the fresh spearmint.
- Zest the lemons to get 2 tablespoons of lemon zest.
- If using frozen peas, rinse them under cold water to defrost slightly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the peas to the boiling water.
- Drain the pasta and peas together, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the bacon strips and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Once cool enough to handle, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, remove excess bacon fat leaving about 1-2 tablespoons.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the light sour cream.
- Add the drained pasta and peas to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to create a creamy sauce, about 1/4 cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in the lemon zest and chopped bacon.
- Mix well until everything is evenly combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in the finely chopped parsley.
- Divide the pasta among serving plates or bowls.
- Garnish with additional lemon zest and parsley leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Enjoy your Pasta with peas and bacon as a refreshing yet hearty meal that balances creamy, savory, and fresh flavors beautifully. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Pasta with peas and bacon FAQ:
You can use any type of pasta, but shorter shapes like penne or fusilli work well, as they hold the sauce and ingredients nicely. Spaghetti is also a great option if you prefer long pasta.
To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or a combination of bell peppers and zucchini for added flavor and texture. Use a plant-based sour cream for a dairy-free option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
You can substitute light sour cream with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream. Adjust the amount to achieve desired creaminess.
Pasta is considered al dente when it is firm to the bite but cooked through. Check the package for cooking time and taste a piece a minute or two before the recommended time.
Cooking Tips:
- Use a high-quality pasta for the best texture and flavor. Al dente pasta holds up well with the creamy sauce.
- Opt for fresh peas if available, as they provide a sweeter and more tender bite compared to frozen peas.
- Cook the bacon until it's crispy, as this adds a wonderful crunch to the dish.
- Grate the lemon zest finely to distribute the citrus flavor evenly throughout the pasta.
- Toss the parsley in just before serving to retain its vibrant color and fresh taste.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed. The starch in the water can help the sauce cling better to the pasta.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 690kcal
Protein 36g
Carbohydrates 77g
Fiber 4.87g
Sugar 6g
Fat 27g
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