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Irresistible Pasta with Peas and Pancetta Recipe Easy and Creamy

pasta with peas and pancetta - featured image

A creamy pasta dish with crispy pancetta, sweet peas, and a luscious sauce that’s quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
  • 6 ounces pancetta, diced into small cubes
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and pancetta, cooking until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet with pancetta drippings, add minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir gently, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Stir in peas and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the creamy sauce. Stir in crispy pancetta.
  7. Transfer pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the pasta; aim for al dente.’, ‘Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce.’, ‘Use fresh Parmesan for better melting and flavor.’, ‘Keep an eye on the garlic to avoid burning.’, ‘Taste the sauce before adding extra salt, as pancetta is naturally salty.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta, pancetta, peas, creamy sauce, quick dinner, easy recipe, Italian cuisine, comfort food, family dinner