Bacon Pasta
Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, Creamy Bacon Pasta with Peas is the kind of dinner that brings comfort and flavor together in every bite.
Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, Bacon Pasta is the kind of dinner that brings comfort and flavor together in every bite.
Bacon Pasta is a weeknight-friendly meal that feels a little indulgent but couldn’t be easier to pull together.
Bacon Pasta Recipe Highlights
- Family favorite with creamy sauce and crispy bacon
- 30-minute dinner perfect for busy weeknights
- Pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins
- Great way to get kids to enjoy peas
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
PASTA – Shell pasta works beautifully here because it cradles the peas and sauce in each bite. You can also use penne or rotini if that’s what you have on hand—just choose a short shape that catches the sauce.
BACON – Thick-cut bacon gives you crisp texture and savory depth. Once cooked, set it on paper towels to stay crisp and leave a couple tablespoons of drippings in the pan to flavor the sauce.
PEAS – Frozen peas are a fast, no-fuss way to add color and a little sweetness. There’s no need to thaw them first—they’ll heat through perfectly in the sauce.
GARLIC – Fresh minced garlic adds warm, savory flavor that ties everything together. Cook it just until fragrant so it doesn’t become bitter.
OLIVE OIL – A little oil keeps the garlic from burning and helps build the base of the sauce. Combined with bacon drippings, it creates a flavorful start without being too greasy.
HEAVY CREAM – This gives the sauce its velvety texture and balances the saltiness of the bacon and Parmesan. Be sure to stir constantly after adding it to avoid curdling.
PARMESAN – Freshly grated Parmesan melts easily and adds a salty, nutty finish to the sauce. If needed, shredded Romano or even a Parmesan blend can work in a pinch.
SEASONINGS – A little salt and freshly ground black pepper bring everything into balance. Red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley gives the dish a pop of color and freshness.
How To Make Bacon Pasta with Peas
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Cook pasta until al dente and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Crisp bacon in a skillet, then set aside and keep 2 tablespoons of drippings.
- Add olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Stir in peas, cream, and Parmesan until melted.
- Slowly add pasta water to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Toss in pasta and bacon, season to taste. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Once the pasta has cooled, spoon it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so it may need a splash of cream or milk when reheating.
FREEZE – You can freeze bacon pasta with peas, but the sauce may separate a little after thawing. Cool it completely first, then portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, stir gently to bring the sauce back together.
REHEAT – Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. For smaller portions, reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one to avoid overcooking.
MAKE AHEAD – You can cook the bacon and boil the pasta a day ahead to save time. Keep them stored separately in the fridge, then prepare the sauce and combine everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
More Easy and Delicious Recipes
Serving Suggestions
CHOPPED TOMATO SALAD – A simple mix of fresh tomatoes, onions, and vinaigrette adds a bright, juicy contrast to the Bacon Pasta.
CUCUMBER SALAD – Both a creamy dill version or a tangy lemon-based one work beautifully to cool down the richness of the pasta.
BEET SALAD – Earthy beets tossed with a little balsamic and arugula offer a bold, colorful side that pairs nicely with bacon and Parmesan.
AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD – Crispy on the edges and buttery in the center, garlic bread made in the air fryer is perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
OATMEAL DINNER ROLLS – Soft, slightly sweet rolls make a cozy, crowd-pleasing companion for any creamy pasta dish.
Recipe Success Tips
RESERVE THE PASTA WATER – Before draining your pasta, scoop out a full cup of the starchy cooking water. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and gives you an easy way to adjust the consistency without thinning the flavor.
COOK BACON UNTIL CRISP – Fully crisp bacon adds great texture and keeps its flavor from getting lost in the creamy sauce. Drain it on a paper towel to keep it from going soggy while you finish the dish.
DON’T OVERCOOK THE GARLIC – Garlic should be sautéed just until fragrant—usually no more than a minute or two. If it starts to brown, it can turn bitter and overpower the sauce.
ADD CREAM OFF THE HEAT – If your skillet is very hot when you add the cream, it might curdle. Let the pan cool slightly, then stir in the cream and Parmesan to create a smooth, silky sauce.
TASTE BEFORE SEASONING – Parmesan and bacon both add salt, so wait until the sauce is finished before adding any extra salt. A little black pepper or red pepper flakes goes a long way for balance.
EXPERT TIP – If the sauce gets too thick while it sits, stir in a splash of warm pasta water or cream right before serving. It brings everything back together without dulling the flavor or breaking the sauce.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle works well. Just choose a shape that holds onto the sauce and cooks to a tender but firm bite.
Can I Make This Without Heavy Cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. For a richer texture without cream, try adding a spoonful of cream cheese while the sauce is still warm.
Can I Use Fresh Peas Instead Of Frozen?
Yes, fresh peas are a great option when they’re in season. Just blanch them briefly before adding to the sauce so they stay tender and bright.
How Can I Make It Spicier?
Add red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic or finish the dish with a dash of hot sauce. It brings a subtle heat that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
More Easy Recipes with Bacon
Bacon Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounce pasta shell pasta
- 6 slices bacon thick-cut, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup Parmesan grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cream
- salt to taste
- black pepper freshly ground to taste
Optional
- red pepper flakes
- parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet set over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Add the olive oil to the same skillet and sauté the minced garlic for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the peas, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted.
- Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring constantly to form a smooth, light sauce. Use a spatula to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and incorporate them into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired add chili flakes.
- Add the pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more pasta water. Add the reserved bacon. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Equipment
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.