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Crispy Pea and Pancetta Pasta Recipe Easy Creamy Parmesan Dinner

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A quick and easy pasta dish featuring crispy pancetta, sweet peas, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that delivers comforting and indulgent flavors perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 6 ounces (170 g) pancetta, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) green peas, fresh or frozen
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (90 g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, extra virgin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 ounces (170 g) diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pancetta and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Toss in 1 cup (150 g) peas and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender and bright green.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, stirring to combine with pancetta and peas. Let it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1 cup (90 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and silky. Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if sauce is too thick.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy pancetta and pea sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest if desired.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top. Serve immediately on warm plates.

Notes

Start pancetta in a cold pan and cook over medium heat to render fat slowly and achieve perfect crispiness. Keep heat low when adding Parmesan to avoid curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. If sauce thickens too much before serving, add reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta, pancetta, peas, creamy Parmesan, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, quick recipe

Find it online: https://islatable.com/crispy-pea-and-pancetta-pasta-recipe-easy-creamy-parmesan-dinner/