Why You’ll Love This Bacon and Pea Pasta
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy nights when you need something tasty without a lot of effort.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Family Favourite: Even picky eaters love the combo of bacon, peas, and pasta!
Minimal Washing Up: One pan for the sauce, one pot for the pasta—done!
Deliciously Creamy & Savoury: The combination of butter, crispy bacon, and feta creates an indulgent yet simple dish.
Great for Leftovers: It reheats well, so you can enjoy it the next day too!
Secrets to the Best Bacon and Pea Pasta
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few key tips will take it from good to absolutely amazing.
1. Use Quality Bacon 🥓
Since bacon is the star of the show, using good-quality bacon makes all the difference. I recommend streaky bacon for the best crispiness and flavour. If you want something extra special, try using pancetta or smoked bacon for a deeper, more savoury taste.
2. Choose the Right Pasta Shape 🍝
This dish works best with short pasta like:
Shells (conchiglie) – Perfect for catching bits of bacon and peas inside.
Penne – Holds onto the buttery sauce beautifully.
Rigatoni – A chunky pasta that pairs well with the crispy bacon.
3. Don’t Overcook the Peas 🌱
Frozen peas are fantastic because they’re already blanched before being frozen, which means they only need a quick heat-through to stay vibrant and juicy. If overcooked, they can become mushy and dull.
4. Feta is a Game-Changer 🧀
Feta brings a creamy, slightly tangy contrast to the salty bacon and buttery pasta. Crumble it on top at the end instead of mixing it in, so it stays light and crumbly instead of melting into the sauce.
5. Butter Makes Everything Better 🧈
A good amount of butter gives this dish its irresistible richness. It helps coat the pasta in a velvety sauce that brings all the flavours together.
6. Fresh Herbs for Extra Freshness 🌿
Adding fresh herbs like mint or parsley brightens the dish and adds an extra layer of flavour. Mint pairs beautifully with peas and feta, while parsley gives a fresh, herby contrast.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
This Bacon and Pea Pasta is delicious on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, here are a few pairing ideas:
Side Salad: A simple rocket (arugula) and parmesan salad with a lemon dressing cuts through the richness.
Crusty Bread: Because who doesn’t love a side of warm, buttered bread?
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balances the salty, creamy flavours beautifully.
Extra Lemon Zest: If you love a hint of citrus, a little lemon zest over the top adds a lovely brightness.
Customising Your Bacon and Pea Pasta to Suit Your Taste
One of the best things about this bacon and pea pasta recipe is how versatile it is! Whether you want to add more protein, switch up the cheese, or make it even creamier, there are plenty of ways to customise it to suit your taste.
1. Make It Extra Creamy 🥛
If you love an ultra-rich pasta, add a splash of thickened cream or a spoonful of cream cheese to the pan before tossing in the pasta. This will create a silkier, more indulgent sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
2. Boost the Protein 🍗
Want to make your bacon and pea pasta even heartier? Add in:
Grilled or shredded chicken – A great way to add lean protein.
Chorizo or pancetta – For an extra layer of smokiness.
Poached or fried egg – A runny yolk adds a luxurious, creamy texture when mixed in.
3. Swap the Cheese 🧀
Feta is amazing in this dish, but if you want to try something different, here are a few swaps:
Parmesan – For a nutty, salty kick.
Ricotta – Adds a mild, creamy texture.
Goat’s cheese – A tangy alternative that melts beautifully.
4. Add More Vegetables 🥦
Want to pack in extra greens? Try stirring in:
Baby spinach – Wilts down quickly and adds a boost of nutrients.
Asparagus – Cut into small pieces and added with the peas.
Zucchini – Grated or thinly sliced for a subtle sweetness.
5. Make It Spicy 🌶️
If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some chilli flakes or drizzle some chilli oil over the top before serving. It adds a nice contrast to the creamy, buttery elements of this bacon and pea pasta recipe.
Storage & Leftovers: How to Keep It Fresh
This Bacon and Pea Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm it in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or a bit of butter to bring back the creaminess.
Freezing: Not recommended. The peas can turn mushy, and feta changes texture. If you must freeze it, leave out the feta and add fresh crumbles after reheating.
Other Easy Pasta Recipes to Try
If you loved this Bacon and Pea Pasta, here are a few more budget-friendly, quick, and delicious pasta dishes to try:
Let me know which one you try next!
Let’s Cook Together!
Tried this Bacon and Pea Pasta? I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff and share your delicious bowls. Can’t wait to see how yours turns out!
Bacon and Pea Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Day 5 of easy dinners for around $20:🍝 Pasta with Bacon & Peas: A Bowl of Comfort! 🍃
Looking for an easy, delicious dinner idea that’s packed with flavor? This pasta with bacon, peas, and creamy feta hits the spot every time! It’s simple, quick, and perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend treat. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Follow the packet instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sizzle the bacon and onion: In a hot pan, toss in the diced onion and bacon. Cook until golden and caramelized—your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Add some buttery goodness: Stir in the butter, frozen peas, salt, and pepper. Let everything mingle for about a minute.
- Combine the magic: Toss your cooked pasta into the pan and stir until everything’s coated in that buttery, savory goodness.
- Finish with feta: Crumble feta over the top for a creamy, tangy finish. Garnish with fresh mint if you’re feeling fancy!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Just swap the bacon for mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, umami-packed alternative.
Short pasta like shells, penne, or rigatoni works best, as it holds onto the buttery sauce and feta crumbles beautifully.
Yes! Fresh peas work great—just blanch them for 1-2 minutes before adding them to the pan.