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This bacon and pea pasta is a simple, filling dinner with everyday ingredients. Bacon and onion cook down until golden, then butter, peas and a splash of pasta water make a light, buttery sauce that coats the pasta, with crumbled feta over the top to finish.

It feeds four and comes together in about 30 minutes. The frozen peas mean there is no extra prep, just a quick, satisfying dinner the kids will happily eat.

Why You’ll Love It

This one’s a regular. It’s ready in about 30 minutes from everyday ingredients, with a light, buttery sauce. The frozen peas mean no extra prep, and it feeds four.

The Shortcut That Makes It Work

Frozen peas mean no prep and no waiting, and a splash of the pasta water turns the butter into a light sauce in seconds. It is a proper dinner from a near-empty fridge.

Handy Tips

Cook the bacon and onion until golden for the best flavour. Save a cup of the pasta water before you drain, it helps make the sauce. Stir the butter, peas and pasta water together so they bring together into a light sauce. Crumble the feta over at the end so it stays in soft pieces.

Make It Suit Your House

Make it vegetarian by swapping the bacon for mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. Use any short pasta, shells, penne or rigatoni all hold the sauce well. Fresh peas work too, just blanch them for a minute or two first.

What To Serve With It

A simple green salad and some bread on the side make it a full meal.

Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water, as the pasta absorbs the sauce as it sits.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Bacon and Pea Pasta, here are a few more ideas to add to your rotation:

Bacon and Pea Pasta
Steph de Sousa

Bacon and Pea Pasta

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5 from 1 vote
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.
Print Recipe
prep time Prep Time 15 minutes
setting time Cook Time
 15 minutes
total time Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Recipes
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 1184
dish icon Ingredients Equipmentcook book Methodhealt Nutritionvideo icon Video

Ingredients
 

  • 500 g shell pasta
  • 250 g diced bacon
  • 1 diced onion
  • 2 cups frozen peas
  • 1 cup pasta water
  • 1 bunch fresh mint optional for garnish
  • 50 g butter
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 block feta crumbled

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Follow the packet instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 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!
  3. Add some buttery goodness: Stir in the butter, frozen peas, pasta water, salt, and pepper. Let everything mingle for about a minute.
  4. Combine the magic: Toss your cooked pasta into the pan and stir until everything’s coated in that buttery, savory goodness.
  5. Finish with feta: Crumble feta over the top for a creamy, tangy finish. Garnish with fresh mint if you’re feeling fancy!

Nutrition

Calories: 1184kcalCarbohydrates: 106gProtein: 21gFat: 75gSaturated Fat: 31gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 31gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 189mgPotassium: 499mgFiber: 9gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 868IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 3mg

Video

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FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. Swap the bacon for mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, savoury alternative.

What is the best pasta shape?

Short pasta like shells, penne or rigatoni works best, as it holds the buttery sauce and feta.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes. Blanch fresh peas for a minute or two before adding them to the pan.

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