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Pancetta and Pea Pasta

This pasta dish features crispy pancetta slices combined with sweet, bursting peas, tossed with a simple sauce that results in a creamy, savory final texture. The dish comes together quickly by sautéing the pancetta and peas while cooking pasta, creating a balanced blend of salty, fresh, and slightly indulgent flavors with a tender yet slightly chewy noodles look.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine) preferably good quality
  • 4 ounces pancetta diced or sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup peas fresh or frozen
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Skillet or frying pan

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the diced or sliced pancetta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the edges are crispy and golden brown, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Add olive oil to the same skillet if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, until it starts to bubble and smells aromatic.
  4. Add the peas to the skillet and cook just until they soften slightly, about 2 minutes. If using frozen peas, ensure they are heated through.
  5. Return the crispy pancetta to the skillet, stirring to combine, allowing flavors to meld for another minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat in the pancetta and pea mixture. If the mixture feels dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed, creating a slightly creamy texture. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper on top for added flavor. Enjoy the warm, savory pasta with crispy pancetta and tender peas.