Pasta with Pancetta and Peas
Pasta with pancetta and peas is the perfect easy weeknight dinner made in less than 20 minutes! Thick cut pancetta is cooked till perfectly crispy, mixed with green peas, then tossed with orecchiette pasta and grated parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- ¼ pound thick sliced pancetta diced small
- 8 ounces frozen peas approximately 1 ½ cups
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water over medium-high heat on the stovetop until it boils. When the water boils, add pasta and salt and stir to combine.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a skillet or saute over medium heat on the stovetop. Add pancetta and cook stirring frequently until the pancetta is browned and slightly crispy, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add frozen peas to the cooked pancetta and cook for 2-3 more minutes until the peas are heated through. Remove off of the heat and set aside.
- When the pasta has reached al dente, drain water from the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking liquid. Cooking time should be about 9-12 minutes or about the time it takes to cook the pancetta and peas.
- Toss pasta with reserved pasta water, pancetta, peas, parmesan cheese and serve.
Notes
- Pancetta - Use bacon as an alternative.
- Peas - Use fresh peas, but steam them first.
- Parmesan - Asiago or pecorino romano cheese can be used as alternatives.
- Pasta - Use shells, fusilli, or farfalle as alternatives.
- Vegetarian - Omit the pancetta.
- Gluten Free - Use gluten-free pasta.
- Veggies - Add chopped roasted asparagus, roasted red peppers, or zucchini.
- Meat - Substitute the pancetta with cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or mini meatballs.
- Leftovers - Keep in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat with a little bit of milk or broth on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition
Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 426kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 17gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 1422mgPotassium: 309mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 368IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 119mgIron: 2mg
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