Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will tantalize your taste buds? Dive into the world of Italian cuisine with our Quick and Easy Bacon and Tomato Pasta with Peas! This vibrant dish combines crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet peas, all tossed together with al dente pasta for a satisfying dinner that can be ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t miss out on the chance to impress your family and friends with this simple yet flavorful dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This should take around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Next, add the 1 cup of peas to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are heated through and vibrant in color.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato and pea mixture. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, stir in the crispy bacon and mix until well combined. Remove from heat.
- Serve the pasta warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your Quick and Easy Bacon and Tomato Pasta with Peas!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: For this recipe, any pasta shape will work, but we recommend using penne or fusilli to catch the delicious sauce and ingredients better.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when you toss it with the other ingredients. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency later.
- Crispy Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat and don’t rush the process. This allows the fat to render out properly, resulting in perfectly crispy bits.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cherry tomatoes and peas for the best flavor. If you can, opt for seasonal produce to enhance the dish’s freshness.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Cheese It Up: Don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese! Freshly grated cheese will elevate the dish’s flavor and add a creamy texture.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right after cooking for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
