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Creamy Pancetta Pea Pasta with Parmesan Recipe

This Creamy Pancetta Pea Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring crispy pancetta, tender peas, and pasta shells tossed in a rich parmesan sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's the perfect easy weeknight meal!
Course Main Dish, Pasta
Cuisine Italian American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 615kcal
Author Meghan Birnbaum

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Whisk

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces medium pasta shells
  • 8 ounces pancetta diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups half and half
  • 1 ½ cups frozen petite peas
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta & Peas: Fill a large pot with water and a big pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. One minute before the pasta is done, add the frozen peas. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and return the pasta and peas to the pot.
  • Crisp the Pancetta: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until crispy, about 3–4 minutes. If there is excess fat, remove some, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for added flavor.
  • Make the Sauce: Add the garlic and butter to the pancetta and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the half and half, bringing it to a rapid simmer for about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the parmesan cheese, letting it melt fully before turning off the heat.
  • Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta shells and peas to the sauce along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring. Add more, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve & Garnish: Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of pasta water for a thinner or thicker sauce.
  • For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 615kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 428mg | Potassium: 427mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 687IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 194mg | Iron: 2mg