Pancetta pea pasta is a dish that never fails to impress. Its harmonious blend of savory pancetta, succulent green peas, rich and creamy sauce, and satisfying pasta makes it a favorite among family members of all ages. What’s more, this comforting meal can be prepared in just under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. This indulgent dish combines the unctuous flavor of pancetta with the natural sweetness of peas, all wrapped up in a velvety cheese sauce and served over a bed of al dente pasta. If you’re looking for more creamy pasta dishes to add to your repertoire, be sure to try our easy pink pasta sauce, baked cream cheese spaghetti, or mac ‘n beer cheese.
Why You’ll Love This
This recipe checks all the boxes for a quick, easy, and delicious meal. With minimal time and effort required, you can still enjoy a rich and flavorful dish. The harmonious combination of creamy sauce, savory pancetta, and fresh peas creates a truly satisfying taste experience. What’s more, this pasta dish is an excellent choice for families as it’s likely to be a hit with kids, who often adore anything topped with cream and cheese. Simply add extra cheese on top to make it an irresistible treat!
How to Make Pea Pancetta Pasta
To prepare this delectable pasta dish, start by cooking the dried pasta according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Reserve some of the pasta water for later use. Next, cook the pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until it begins to crisp, then set it aside. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is cooked through. Add the garlic and continue cooking for another minute or two. Once the sauce base is prepared, stir in the cream, black pepper, and a blend of cheese, peas, and pancetta. As the sauce simmers, slowly incorporate the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the desired consistency. Finally, serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to accommodate dietary restrictions, there are several modifications you can make. For a gluten-free version, consider using gluten-free pasta as a substitute. If you’re not a fan of peas, you can easily swap them out for thawed mixed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Alternatively, you could opt for a vegetarian version by substituting the pancetta with your favorite meat alternative or adding extra veggies to the mix. Something with a hearty, ‘meaty’ texture like portobello mushrooms would work well in this dish. Finally, if you’re trying to reduce saturated fats, you can replace butter with olive oil.
How to Store Pasta with Pancetta and Peas
When storing cooked pasta with pancetta and peas, ensure it remains fresh by keeping leftovers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for a maximum of three days. If you’d like to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it for up to three months; however, be aware that the texture might undergo a slight transformation. To revive the dish after freezing, thaw the mixture overnight in the refrigerator. For reheating, a straightforward approach is to microwave the pasta, pancetta and peas, but an alternative method involves warming them up in a pan on the stove. Both methods allow you to enjoy your meal with minimal effort.
Top Tips
When incorporating fresh vegetables like broccoli or green beans into your pasta dish, consider adding them to the pot when the pasta is nearly cooked. Chop the veggies into bite-sized pieces and let them cook for a few minutes. This will allow their natural flavors to infuse with the pasta’s starch-based goodness.
For the best results, opt for shredded Parmesan cheese instead of grated. Whether you choose bagged or freshly shredded, this will provide a more nuanced texture that complements the dish nicely.
Lastly, don’t discard the pasta cooking water! This liquid contains starch from the pasta itself, which can be leveraged to thin out the sauce if needed. By keeping it on hand, you’ll have a helpful tool at your disposal for achieving the perfect consistency.
Pasta, Pancetta and Peas FAQs
You’re wondering if you can adapt this pasta with peas recipe to use long pasta noodles instead? The answer is yes – spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine would all work beautifully in place of the original choice. If you choose to include pancetta in your dish, do make sure to drain off the excess fat as there will be a significant amount. I personally like to reserve it for future cooking, refrigerating it until then. Just remember not to pour it down the sink, as it could cause clogs! Instead of letting the extra fat go to waste, consider saving it for another recipe. As for additional flavor enhancers, some people enjoy a squeeze of lemon juice or even a splash of dry sherry or white wine to elevate the dish. If you prefer a lighter take on this pasta with peas recipe, you could also experiment with increasing the vegetable ratio and decreasing the pancetta proportion – it’s all about finding your perfect balance.
Pasta with Pancetta and Peas
Pancetta Pea Pasta
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this pancetta pea pasta, a hearty dish that brings everyone together at dinnertime. The combination of savory pancetta, al dente pasta, sweet peas, and melted cheese creates a rich and satisfying meal that’s ready to be devoured in just 35 minutes. With minimal prep time of 10 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet impressive dinner option that serves four hungry individuals.
Instructions
Combine the cooked pasta, pancetta, peas, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. In a large skillet, heat butter and onion over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion softens. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, bring heavy cream to a simmer with black pepper, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens after 5 minutes. Remove from heat and gradually add Parmesan cheese in batches, stirring continuously until melted. If the sauce becomes too thick, incorporate pasta water in ¼ cup increments. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
When it comes to adding some crunch and freshness to your pasta dish, consider incorporating chopped fresh vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Simply add them to the pot during the final few minutes of cooking when the pasta is almost done. This will allow the natural flavors of the veggies to meld with the pasta nicely.
When it comes to parmesan cheese, avoid using the grated variety as it can be too powdery and affect the overall texture. Instead, opt for shredded parmesan, whether it’s from a bag or freshly shredded yourself.
Another important consideration is preserving that pasta cooking water. The starch present in the water helps to create a creamy sauce when you need it. So, keep that liquid gold on hand and use it to thin out your sauce if needed.