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There's something magical about the combination of pasta, peas, and bacon that turns simple ingredients into the ultimate comfort food. This Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, crispy bacon, tender pasta, sweet peas, all enveloped in a silky cream sauce. It's the kind of dish that makes you wonder how something so simple can taste so incredibly good.
During a busy weeknight, this recipe saved dinner when I had limited time and ingredients. Now it's become a family favorite that everyone requests regularly.
Perfect Ingredients Guide
- Penne pasta: Creates ideal sauce catching ridges, choose bronze die pasta for superior sauce adhesion.
- Yellow onion: Provides essential sweetness, look for firm onions with tight, papery skin.
- Frozen peas: Offer convenience and consistent quality, premium brands provide better texture.
- Thick cut bacon: Delivers meaty satisfaction, choose smoky varieties for deeper flavor.
- Heavy cream: Forms the silky sauce base, full fat creates the best texture.
- Fresh black pepper: Adds necessary warmth, grind just before using.
- Parmesan cheese: Enhances umami depth, freshly grated melts more smoothly.
Creating Pasta Perfection
- Pasta Preparation:
- Bring generously salted water to rolling boil, adding pasta and setting timer for perfect doneness.
- Bacon Magic:
- Cook bacon slowly until perfectly crisp, reserving precious drippings.
- Onion Development:
- Sauté onions in bacon fat until golden and sweet, developing essential flavor base.
- Pea Integration:
- Add frozen peas directly to pasta water during final minutes of cooking.
- Sauce Creation:
- Combine cream with pasta water and bacon drippings for silky smoothness.
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Growing up, my mother always said simple dishes require the best ingredients. This recipe proves her right, quality pasta, bacon, and cream make all the difference.
Perfect Pairings
Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides bright contrast. For wine lovers, a crisp Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Creative Variations
Transform this dish by adding sautéed mushrooms for earthiness, or swap bacon for pancetta. For a lighter version, use half and half and add extra pasta water. Include red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs for brightness.
Storage Success
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce. Never freeze this pasta as the cream sauce can separate.
This simple pasta dish has become my go-to recipe for both quick family dinners and casual entertaining. The way the cream sauce clings to the ridged penne, while crispy bacon adds texture and smoky flavor, creates something truly special from everyday ingredients.
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Making this pasta reminds me that good cooking doesn't always require complicated techniques or rare ingredients. Sometimes the best dishes come from understanding how a few quality ingredients can work together in perfect harmony. Whether served on a busy Tuesday or at a weekend gathering, this pasta never fails to comfort and satisfy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
- Yes, any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or bow ties works well with this recipe.
- → Should I thaw the peas first?
- No, add them frozen directly to the pasta water. They'll cook perfectly this way.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- This dish is best served fresh and hot. The pasta continues cooking as it sits and gets softer.
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream?
- Half and half works, but the sauce will be thinner. For richness, stick with heavy cream.
- → How do I keep the bacon crispy?
- Cook the bacon until really crisp before adding other ingredients, and serve the dish immediately.