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+ servings
CREAMY PASTA WITH PEAS AND PANCETTA

Creamy Pasta with Peas and Pancetta: Your Weeknight Hero

A quick and comforting dish featuring creamy pasta, sweet peas, and savory pancetta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Pasta Any type like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
For the Cream Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter touch
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Or any cooking oil
For the Main Flavor
  • 6 ounces Pancetta Or substitute with bacon
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Consider nutritional yeast for a vegan option
For the Freshness
  • 1 cup Peas Fresh or frozen

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • spatula
  • tongs

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic too much.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
  5. Add the drained pasta and peas to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure everything is well-coated in the sauce.
  6. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth, adjusting thickness with reserved pasta water if necessary.
  7. Plate the pasta, garnishing with additional Parmesan and black pepper if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh peas for maximum sweetness and color. Adjust the sauce's thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.

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