Do bacon and pasta go together?

Absolutely. Bacon and pasta are a classic match thanks to bacon’s smoky, salty flavor, which adds depth to otherwise simple sauces. It’s why dishes like carbonara are so iconic. In pasta with bacon and peas, the rendered fat from bacon becomes the base for a creamy, comforting sauce.

What is the Italian dish with bacon and peas?

While there’s no single “official” Italian dish that defines this combo, several Roman and Northern Italian pasta recipes feature cured pork (like pancetta or guanciale) and peas. One close cousin is pasta alla papalina , which blends pasta with cured meat, peas, and creamy sauce—much like our version here.

Why do Italians put peas in pasta?

Peas add color, texture, and sweetness to pasta. They’re a traditional spring ingredient in Italian kitchens and show up often in risottos, soups, and pastas. Plus, peas contrast beautifully with richer flavors like bacon, cheese, or butter.

Does bacon go with peas?

Yes—deliciously so. Bacon’s richness and saltiness play perfectly against peas’ light, sweet profile. That’s why the pairing works so well in warm pasta dishes, chilled salads, and even soups. The contrast makes both ingredients shine.

Pasta with Bacon and Peas: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave

Description

This creamy pasta with bacon and peas is comforting, fast, and family-friendly. Smoky bacon and sweet peas meet silky parmesan sauce in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz shell pasta

4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced

1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

2 tbsp reserved pasta water

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil or chives for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

2. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove with slotted spoon.

3. Leave 1 tbsp bacon fat in pan. Add peas and sauté briefly.

4. Add cooked pasta, pasta water, and Parmesan. Toss to combine.

5. Return bacon to pan and stir everything together.

6. Serve with extra cheese and fresh herbs.

Notes

Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Add mushrooms or chili flakes for variation.

Serve warm or chilled as pasta salad.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 460
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 40mg