Irresistible Pasta with Bacon and Peas: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
There are some ingredients that simply have an undeniable magnetic pull, and for many, bacon sits firmly at the top of that list. That unmistakable sizzle, the savory aroma filling the kitchen, and the crispy texture that adds so much character to any dish – it’s pure culinary magic. If you’re anything like us, just the thought of it can make your mouth water, much like the famous commercial’s enthusiastic chant for “BACON! BACON! BACON!”
Today, we’re diving into a dish that celebrates this beloved ingredient in a delightful symphony of flavors and textures: Pasta with Bacon and Peas. This recipe is a fantastic adaptation from the celebrated chef Marcus Samuelsson’s insightful book, New American Table. Samuelsson’s approach to food is all about vibrant, accessible flavors, and this pasta dish is a perfect embodiment of that philosophy. It’s a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a revelation. Imagine tender pasta coated in a lusciously creamy sauce, punctuated by the irresistible crunch and smoky depth of perfectly cooked bacon, and brightened by the delicate sweetness of fresh peas and a zesty hint of lemon. It’s comforting, sophisticated, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight yet elegant enough for a special occasion. Prepare to add this gem to your regular meal rotation!
Why This Pasta with Bacon and Peas Recipe Is a Must-Try
In a world full of complex recipes, sometimes the simplest combinations yield the most profound satisfaction. Our Pasta with Bacon and Peas is a shining example. What makes this recipe an absolute winner? For starters, its incredible flavor profile strikes a perfect balance. The umami-rich bacon provides a savory foundation, while the sweet peas offer a refreshing contrast, preventing the dish from becoming too heavy. The creamy sauce, subtly enhanced by Parmesan cheese and a hint of lemon zest, ties everything together with a delightful tang that brightens every mouthful.
Beyond taste, the ease of preparation is a significant draw. This is a dish that comes together quickly, making it a lifesaver for those evenings when time is short but you still crave a homemade, satisfying meal. Most of the ingredients are kitchen staples, meaning you likely won’t need a special trip to the grocery store. It’s also incredibly versatile; while perfect as is, it welcomes customization, allowing you to easily adapt it to your preferences or what you have on hand.
Finally, there’s the undeniable comfort factor. Pasta with bacon and peas is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, evoking a sense of cozy contentment. It’s hearty without being overly heavy, making it a fantastic family-friendly meal that even the pickiest eaters are likely to enjoy. From the first forkful to the last, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a cherished favorite.
Gathering Your Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
The beauty of this Marcus Samuelsson-inspired pasta dish lies in its reliance on a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in building its irresistible flavor. Opting for quality here will truly elevate your final dish. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- Dry Pasta (1 pound): The backbone of our dish. Choose a shape that can beautifully hold the creamy sauce and bits of bacon and peas. Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or even penne work wonderfully. A good quality pasta will have better texture and flavor.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Used to toss the cooked pasta, preventing it from sticking together and adding a subtle fruity note.
- Large Egg Yolks (2): These are crucial for creating the rich, velvety sauce. They act as an emulsifier, binding the sauce together without making it overly thick or gummy.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (3 tablespoons, plus more for garnish): Essential for its salty, nutty, umami flavor. Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan over pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture and meltability.
- Heavy Cream (3 tablespoons): Provides luxurious richness and silkiness to the sauce, balancing the savory bacon and tart lemon.
- Zest of 1/2 Lemon: A small but mighty ingredient! Lemon zest adds a burst of bright, fresh citrus aroma and flavor that cuts through the richness of the bacon and cream, lifting the entire dish. Don’t skip this!
- Bacon (4 slices, cut into 1/2-inch pieces): The star of the show. We recommend using good quality, thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture. Cutting it into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
- Yellow Onion (1/2, diced, about 1/2 cup): Provides a foundational aromatic sweetness and depth to the sauce when sautéed in the bacon drippings.
- Garlic (3 cloves, finely minced): Another essential aromatic, garlic adds pungent, savory notes that complement the bacon and cream beautifully.
- Frozen Peas (1 1/2 cups, rinsed under warm water to defrost): Sweet, vibrant, and a pop of color. Defrosting them under warm water ensures they cook quickly and maintain their tenderness when added to the hot pasta.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning. Remember that bacon is salty, and you’ll salt the pasta water, so adjust accordingly.
- Torn Fresh Basil Leaves: A final flourish of fresh, aromatic herbaceousness that brightens the dish and adds a gourmet touch.
With these fresh, high-quality ingredients ready, you’re well on your way to crafting a truly memorable meal. The synergy between these components is what gives this pasta its distinctive and beloved taste.
Pasta, Bacon and Peas Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 pound dry pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- zest of 1/2 lemon
- 4 slices bacon, cut until 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, rinsed under warm water to defrost
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- torn fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and toss with the olive oil.
- While the pasta is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream and lemon zest.
- Heat a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until the bacon is crisp and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon and remove the bacon, keeping as much of the bacon drippings in the pan as possible.
- Return the pan (with the bacon drippings) to medium heat. Add the onions and saute until the onions are softened, about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and saute an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Turn the heat to medium-high and whisk in the egg/cream mixture. Let the sauce bubble briefly and then quickly add in the pasta, peas and the cooked bacon (you don’t want too much of the egg/cream mixture to evaporate, so work quickly).
- Toss so that the ingredients are well mixed throughout. When the pasta is heated through (about 4 minutes) season with salt and pepper to taste (go easy on the salt – remember the bacon is salty and you’ve salted the pasta water.) Toss well with the torn basil leaves and add additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Mastering the Method: Tips for a Perfect Pasta
While this recipe is straightforward, a few key techniques can ensure your Pasta with Bacon and Peas turns out perfectly every time. Paying attention to these details will make all the difference in achieving that professional chef quality in your home kitchen.
Achieving Al Dente Pasta
The foundation of any great pasta dish is perfectly cooked pasta. Always use a large pot and generously salt the water until it tastes like the ocean. This seasons the pasta from within. Cook the pasta according to package directions, aiming for “al dente” – still firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold the sauce well. Draining and tossing with a tablespoon of olive oil immediately after cooking helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle sheen.
Crispy Bacon, Flavorful Drippings
The bacon is more than just a textural element; its rendered fat is a crucial flavor base for the sauce. Cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until they are beautifully crisp and golden. Don’t rush this step. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, but leave those precious drippings in the pan. They are liquid gold for sautéing your aromatics.
Building the Aromatic Base
Using the reserved bacon drippings, sauté the diced yellow onion until it softens and becomes translucent. This gentle cooking process brings out its natural sweetness. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter and overpower the dish.
The Creamy Egg-Based Sauce: No Scrambled Eggs Here!
The heart of this sauce is the egg yolk and cream mixture. The trick is to prevent the eggs from scrambling. After sautéing the aromatics, you’ll briefly increase the heat to medium-high before whisking in the egg/cream mixture. The goal is to gently warm and thicken the sauce, not to cook the eggs into solids. As soon as the sauce begins to bubble slightly, immediately add the hot pasta, peas, and cooked bacon. The residual heat from the pasta will continue to gently cook the eggs and emulsify the sauce, creating a smooth, luscious coating without any curdling.
The Final Toss and Seasoning
Once all components are in the pan, toss everything together quickly and thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated and the peas and bacon are well distributed. Continue to toss for about 4 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste and season carefully with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember that both the bacon and the Parmesan cheese are salty, so start with a little and add more if needed. A final generous toss with fresh torn basil leaves adds a wonderful aroma and freshness that completes the dish.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
One of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt and personalize recipes. While the original Pasta with Bacon and Peas is divine, don’t hesitate to experiment with these variations:
Creative Customizations:
- Add More Veggies: Elevate the nutritional profile and add more color by incorporating other quick-cooking vegetables. Asparagus spears, spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted), or even finely diced bell peppers would make excellent additions.
- Different Proteins: If you’re out of bacon, or simply want to try something new, pancetta or prosciutto can be excellent substitutes, offering a similar salty, savory depth. For a leaner option, cooked chicken or shrimp can be folded in.
- Herb Power: While basil is fantastic, fresh parsley or chives could also complement this dish beautifully. Feel free to use a combination!
- A Hint of Heat: For those who enjoy a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can provide a delightful warmth.
- Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with other hard Italian cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.
Perfect Pairings:
This rich and flavorful pasta dish pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments that can balance its richness and cleanse the palate:
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or Italian bread is ideal for soaking up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc will complement the flavors without overpowering them.
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Leftovers
While this pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, you might find yourself with delightful leftovers. Proper storage and reheating can help maintain its deliciousness.
Storage:
Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the quality of the sauce, especially with the egg yolks, may start to degrade.
Reheating:
Reheating pasta with a creamy, egg-based sauce can be tricky, as there’s a risk of the sauce separating or the pasta becoming dry. Here are the best methods:
- Stovetop (Recommended): Place the desired portion of pasta in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or even chicken broth (1-2 tablespoons per serving) to help rehydrate the sauce. Stir gently and consistently until heated through. This method helps restore the creamy consistency.
- Microwave: While convenient, the microwave can sometimes dry out pasta or cause the sauce to separate. Heat in short intervals (30-60 seconds), stirring well between each, and add a small amount of liquid (milk or broth) to help revive the creaminess.
Avoid overheating, as this can cause the eggs in the sauce to cook further and result in a less desirable texture. With a little care, your leftover Pasta with Bacon and Peas can be just as enjoyable as the first serving.
Embrace the Bacon Bliss
There’s no denying the captivating allure of bacon, and in this Pasta with Bacon and Peas, its magic truly shines. This recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Marcus Samuelsson, offers a perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for any home cook seeking a delicious yet approachable meal. From the crispy, savory bacon to the sweet burst of peas and the luxurious, lemon-kissed cream sauce, every element works in harmony to create a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting dish to share with loved ones, or simply an excuse to enjoy the irresistible taste of bacon, this recipe delivers on all fronts. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to delight your senses. We’re confident that this Pasta with Bacon and Peas will become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Don’t just take our word for it—try it yourself and savor the irresistible flavor!