The Best Creamy Peas and Pancetta Pasta
This pasta with peas and pancetta, is creamy, easy, low fuss (the only chopping going on is a shallot!), and so addicting. It’s the perfect meal for a weeknight dinner and kid-approved!
This is one of those throw-together meals that somehow tastes like way more effort than it is. You’ve got crispy pancetta for that salty, savory bite, sweet peas for a pop of freshness, and everything gets coated in a light sauce with a hint of lemon to keep things bright!
This is a totally perfect weekday meal as is, but you can easily add a fresh arugula salad and grilled chicken if you’d like more to serve!
This pasta with peas and pancetta is rich but not too heavy, comforting but not boring—basically, the kind of pasta you’ll want to make on repeat. I personally love the touch of lemon at the end, as it breaks up the richness of the pancetta and cream and peas are always delicious and add bursts of flavor!
From start to finish this pasta dish comes together in about 20 minutes and is truly one of my favorite weeknight meals to whip up!
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The Best Peas and Pancetta Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A cozy combo of crispy pancetta, sweet peas, and tender shallots all simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. Finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten it all up, this pasta is equal parts comforting and refreshing—perfect for when you want something hearty but not too heavy!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta
- 4 oz, diced uncured pancetta
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 1/4 cup of frozen peas
- 1/2 cup of shallot, finely diced
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 2 lemons
- Salt
- Freshly Ground Pepper
Instructions
- Generously salt a large pot of boiling water and add your box of pasta. Cook pasta according to package directions, but the pasta should be al dente! Reserve 1 cup of pasta water to use for later. Drain and set pasta aside once it is cooked.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pancetta.
- Cook the pancetta in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden and crispy—about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the diced shallot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shallot is soft and translucent.
- Pour in ¼ cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to bring everything together.
- Add the peas and gently coat them in the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until the peas are warmed up. Once the peas are warmed, remove from heat and mix in the pasta and add the 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. If you feel like you need more sauce add a little more of the reserved pasta water.
- Taste for salt and pepper and adjust accordingly!
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl, and squeeze a quarter of a lemon over it all and top with more parmesan cheese and freshly ground pepper.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dishes
If you are are looking for another quick and healthy weeknight meal, check out my Greek Ground Beef Bowls!
Julie
Hi there! I’m Julie, a proud wife and mom of three incredible girls who keep me on my toes. Since 2018, I’ve embraced the role of stay-at-home mom, and I’m passionate about making the most of every moment with my little ones. Whether it’s planning fun at-home activities, hosting lively parties, or organizing playdates, I love creating memories without breaking the bank. I live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, where I get to enjoy the charm of suburban life while still being close enough to the excitement of the city. Before becoming a full-time mom, I worked in Washington, D.C., in the policy field. While I’ve transitioned from that world to one filled with toddler tantrums and DIY crafts, my love for organizing, planning, and making things work on a budget has never wavered. Here, I’ll share tips, ideas, and inspiration for making family life not only affordable but fun and memorable. From crafting low-cost party ideas to simple home projects, my goal is to help busy parents like you create lasting moments without the stress. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you find some ideas you can use in your own home!
One Comment
Lauren
Thanks for another great recipe! I made this dish for my husband and 3 young kids. It was so easy to throw together and turned out delicious! Even my super picky 6 year old ate it and asked for seconds!! Will definitely make it again.