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Creamy Pasta with Peas and Pancetta

Creamy Pasta with Peas and Pancetta for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This Creamy Pasta with Peas and Pancetta is a delightful pasta dish that is quick, easy, and a family favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Fettuccine, penne, or gluten-free alternatives
For the Sauce
  • 6 oz Pancetta Can substitute with bacon or diced ham
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Use fresh peas if available
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Try mixing in Pecorino or mozzarella
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic recommended
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can be replaced with butter
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Finish
  • to taste Fresh Basil or Parsley Optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside, keeping drippings in skillet.
  3. Lower heat to medium; add minced garlic to drippings and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream, stirring well, and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed and combined.
  5. Add peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  6. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
  7. Combine drained pasta with the sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Fold in crispy pancetta, reserving some for garnish, and toss to combine over low heat for 1 minute.
  9. Serve pasta in bowls, garnished with reserved pancetta and fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh peas when available and adjust seasoning carefully due to the saltiness of pancetta.

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