PASTA WITH PEAS AND BACON

WineCheeseScallops
Oct 8
5 min read

When comfort food calls, pasta always answers—and this Pasta with Peas and Bacon is the perfect reply. Creamy, savory, and full of flavor, it balances smoky bacon, sweet pops of peas, and tender pasta all tossed in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels both indulgent and easy to pull together.

A bowl of creamy pasta with peas and bacon on a wooden table. The pasta is garnished with grated cheese, creating a delicious and inviting look.

Jump to recipe
Helpful tools for this recipe

This dish is weeknight-friendly yet special enough for entertaining. With just a handful of pantry and freezer staples—plus the unbeatable flavor of crispy bacon—it comes together in under 40 minutes. Think of it as carbonara’s cousin: creamy, rich, but with a freshness from peas that keeps every bite light and balanced.

Affiliate Link

We’re excited to share that Wine Cheese Scallops is now part of the Amazon Affiliate Program! 🎉 When you shop using our special link, ANY item you purchase—whether it’s kitchen gear, home essentials, books, or even dog treats—helps support our blog at no extra cost to you.

It’s a simple way to help us keep creating recipes, reviews, and foodie fun you love. So whether you're restocking pantry staples or grabbing your next favorite gadget, your support means the world to us. 🛒💛

Ingredient Highlights

Bacon

The star of this dish, bacon provides smoky, salty depth that flavors both the sauce and the pasta. As it renders, the fat doubles as cooking oil for the onions and garlic, layering even more richness into the dish. Hickory-smoked bacon, as used here, adds bold flavor, but any good-quality bacon works well.

Peas

Frozen peas are a freezer MVP. Sweet, tender, and vibrantly green, they add freshness and balance to the creamy pasta. They’re also a nutritional boost—rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and vitamins like C and K. No need to thaw them before cooking; they go straight into the sauce, saving time and keeping their bright color intact.

Sponsored Ad

Recipe Inspiration

Chopped onions, garlic, broth, grated cheese, and milk are arranged on a wooden countertop. A label reads "1/2 cup."

This recipe takes inspiration from classic Italian pasta dishes like carbonara and pasta primavera. Carbonara’s smoky, creamy notes come through with bacon and Parmesan, while the addition of peas is a nod to primavera, bringing a pop of green freshness. The result is a mashup that feels familiar yet unique.

The best part is how approachable it is. You don’t need hours of simmering or a long ingredient list. Instead, you get a silky, bacon-infused cream sauce that clings to every twist of pasta, making each bite perfectly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish you’ll keep in your back pocket for family dinners, impromptu guests, or cozy nights in.

Sponsored Ad

Tips, Serving Suggestions & Storage Advice

Cooking cavatappi pasta with bacon, peas, and Parmesan in a metal pan. A wooden spoon is stirring. Creamy and savory feel.

Salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea.
Cook the pasta just shy of al dente; it will finish in the sauce.
Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce texture.
Use pancetta or prosciutto instead of bacon for a more traditional Italian twist.
Swap shallots for onions for a sweeter, more delicate flavor.
Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives for brightness.
For extra indulgence, stir in a tablespoon of butter right before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.
Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.

Sponsored Ad

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out

Creamy pasta with peas and bacon topped with Parmesan in a silver pan on a stove. The pasta appears freshly cooked and appetizing.

Smoky bacon provides flavor in every layer of the dish.
Frozen peas add color, freshness, and nutrition.
Creamy Parmesan sauce clings beautifully to pasta.
Easy weeknight dinner made in under 40 minutes.
Uses pantry and freezer staples—budget-friendly and accessible.
Customizable—swap in different pastas, meats, or veggies.
Comfort food that feels elevated enough for guests.
Balanced flavors: smoky, salty, creamy, and fresh.
Kid-friendly and family-approved.
A versatile dish that works year-round.

Amazon Affiliate Link

🎉 Exciting News for Wine Cheese Scallops! 🎉 We’re now officially Amazon Affiliates! If you’re planning any Amazon shopping, you can support our blog just by using our link – no extra cost to you, no matter what you’re buying! 🛒💖

🔗 AMAZON.COM 🔗

So whether it’s kitchen gadgets, books, holiday gifts, or anything else you need, every purchase through our link helps us keep sharing delicious recipes, foodie tips, and restaurant finds! 🌟 Thank you for being part of our journey!

Pasta with Peas and Bacon

Ingredients

16 ounces dry cavatappi pasta (or any pasta of choice)
16 ounces hickory-smoked bacon, diced into small pieces
1 small onion, minced (or 3 shallots)
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups frozen peas
½ cup heavy cream (more if desired for a richer sauce)
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided)
Reserved pasta water (about 1 cup)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 1–2 minutes less than package directions (until al dente). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain. Set pasta aside.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crisp and the fat is rendered. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Reduce heat to medium. In the rendered bacon fat, cook the onion until soft and translucent, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Stir in chicken broth and frozen peas. Cook until peas are just thawed, then add the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Return the bacon to the pan, then add the cooked pasta. Toss gently to combine.
If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan before serving.

Creamy pasta with bacon, peas, and cheese in a textured bowl. A garlic bulb is beside it on a wooden surface, creating a cozy vibe.

MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE

We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!