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Crispy Pea and Pancetta Pasta

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A quick and easy pasta dish featuring crispy pancetta, sweet peas, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that blends comfort and crispness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) dried pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 6 oz (170 g) pancetta, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 10-12 minutes). Save about 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta (6 oz/170 g) and cook, stirring occasionally, until the edges are golden and crispy—about 6-8 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get that perfect crisp.
  3. Once pancetta is crisp, add minced garlic (2 cloves) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in 1 cup (150 g) thawed frozen peas and sauté for 2 minutes until warmed through but still bright green.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Add 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired creaminess is reached.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the creamy pancetta and pea mixture. The pasta should be glossy and coated evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons) if using. Serve immediately while the sauce is rich and warm.

Notes

To keep peas bright green, thaw in cold water before adding and sauté briefly. Crisp pancetta slowly over medium heat to avoid burning. Add Parmesan gradually to avoid clumps. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cream; avoid microwaving to prevent sauce separation.

Nutrition

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

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