One-Pot Pasta with Peas and Bacon

One-Pot Pasta with Peas and Bacon is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines crispy bacon, tender peas, and al dente pasta in a rich, savory broth.

This easy-to-make recipe brings together simple ingredients in a single pot, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal.

The bacon adds a smoky depth, while the peas offer a touch of sweetness and freshness. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish is both hearty and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

One-Pot Pasta with Peas and Bacon offers a comforting, flavorful meal that is both easy to make and satisfying to eat. Here are several reasons why this recipe is likely to become a favorite:

Rich and Savory Flavor: The combination of crispy bacon or pancetta with sweet peas creates a delightful contrast of flavors. The savory, smoky notes of the bacon complement the freshness of the peas, while the basil adds a touch of herbal aroma.

Effortless and Convenient: As a one-pot dish, this recipe minimizes cleanup and simplifies the cooking process. Everything cooks together in a single pot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy texture of the pasta, enhanced by the olive oil and Parmesan cheese, makes this dish incredibly comforting. It’s a warm, hearty meal that offers a satisfying balance of carbs and protein.

Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe allows for flexibility in ingredients. You can easily adjust the amount of bacon or peas, or incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Family-Friendly: With its familiar ingredients and appealing flavors, this pasta dish is likely to be a hit with both adults and children. It’s a great way to introduce younger eaters to the joys of combining vegetables with pasta in a deliciously inviting way.

Key Ingredients:

Bacon or Pancetta: This ingredient provides a rich, savory foundation for the dish, offering smoky and salty notes that enhance the overall flavor. As the fat renders, it coats the pasta and peas, adding depth and indulgence.

Peas: Sweet and tender, peas bring a pop of freshness and color to the dish. They balance the richness of the bacon and add a nutritious element that complements the pasta beautifully.

Short Pasta: The choice of short pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, is perfect for allowing the sauce and flavors to cling to its surface. Its sturdy texture holds up well in the one-pot cooking method, ensuring each bite is flavorful and satisfying.

Vegetable Broth: This liquid serves as the cooking medium for the pasta and peas, infusing them with flavor as they simmer. It also helps create a slightly saucy consistency that ties the dish together.

Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal note that brightens the dish. Its aromatic qualities enhance the savory and sweet elements, providing a refreshing contrast.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is stirred in at the end, imparting a creamy, nutty flavor that enriches the pasta. It also serves as a garnish, adding an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal.

One-Pot Pasta with Peas and Bacon

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 Medium onion

4 Basil leaves

6 oz Bacon or pancetta

1 and 1/2 cup peas

8 oz short pasta

1l Of vegetable broth ( 4 ⅕ cup)

Salt & black pepper pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté the Onion: Finely chop the onion and heat it in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Cook the Bacon: Add the bacon to the pot and cook over medium-high heat until the fat renders and the bacon is crispy. Stir in a few basil leaves.

Add Peas and Seasonings: Mix in the peas, remaining basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes.

Add Broth: Pour in about 3 cups of vegetable broth, ensuring the peas are covered. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, adding more broth if necessary.

Incorporate Pasta: Add the pasta to the pot. Adjust the salt if needed and cook according to the package instructions, stirring frequently and adding broth as needed. Ensure the pasta and peas remain slightly saucy.

Finish the Dish: Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat. Stir in a drizzle of olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Serve: Serve hot with additional Parmesan shavings on top.

Notes:

Bacon vs. Pancetta: You can use either bacon or pancetta, depending on your preference. Bacon will add a smoky flavor, while pancetta provides a more subtle, rich taste.

Broth Adjustments: The amount of broth needed may vary based on the pasta type and how much it absorbs. Keep extra broth on hand to adjust the consistency as needed.

Pasta Cooking: Ensure the pasta is stirred frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pot. Adding broth gradually helps keep the dish moist and prevents it from drying out.

Onion Cooking: Make sure the onion is cooked until translucent to avoid a raw onion taste. This also helps in developing a sweeter flavor.

Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as you cook. The bacon and broth may already add enough saltiness, so season carefully.

Peas: Fresh or frozen peas can be used. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them before adding.

Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness, but you can use other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Time: The pasta should be cooked until just al dente. It will continue to cook slightly even after being removed from heat.

Serving: This dish is best enjoyed immediately. If you need to reheat leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Calories: ~450 kcal | Protein: ~18 grams | Fat: ~22 grams | Saturated Fat: ~6 grams | Carbohydrates: ~50 grams | Fiber: ~4 grams | Sugars: ~5 grams | Cholesterol: ~45 mg | Sodium: ~1,000 mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.

Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta type.

Can I substitute bacon with another meat?

Certainly, pancetta, turkey bacon, or even diced ham can be used as alternatives.

Each will provide a slightly different flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.

You can add extra vegetables or beans for protein.

Can I use frozen peas?

Yes, frozen peas work well.

There’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the pot.

How do I ensure the pasta doesn’t become mushy?

Stir frequently and add broth gradually to keep the pasta from sticking and becoming overcooked.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

What can I use instead of olive oil?

You can use other oils such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even bacon fat for additional flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to increase the heat level.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses can be used instead of Parmesan.

Each will give a unique flavor to the dish.