Craving something quick, creamy, and comforting? Look no further than this Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon! It’s the perfect combination of tender pasta, crispy bacon, and sweet peas all brought together in a rich, creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking to make a quick weeknight meal or an easy comfort food fix, this dish has you covered.

What makes this pasta so amazing is how effortlessly it comes together with just a handful of ingredients. The crispy bacon adds a savory crunch, while the peas bring a burst of sweetness that balances out the rich creaminess of the sauce. It’s a one-pot wonder that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for those busy evenings when you want something both satisfying and easy to prepare.

This Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon is a family favorite, guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe special and how you can easily recreate it at home.

What Makes This Penne Pasta, Peas, and Bacon Special?

This dish brings a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make it stand out. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Simple yet Flavorful: A few basic ingredients—penne, peas, bacon, and a rich cream sauce—create a flavorful, comforting meal.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner in a hurry.
Family-Friendly: The crispy bacon and sweet peas make this pasta a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients, such as using turkey bacon or a dairy-free cream, to suit your needs.
One-Pot Wonder: No need for multiple pots and pans—everything comes together in one skillet for easy cleanup!

With all these qualities, this Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon is the perfect go-to recipe for a delicious, stress-free meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Ingredient Notes

Let’s break down the key ingredients for this dish and why they’re so essential:

Penne Pasta: The star of the dish, penne is hearty and holds the creamy sauce beautifully. You can substitute with any short pasta like rigatoni or ziti, but penne works best!
Bacon: Crispy bacon provides that irresistible salty crunch. Feel free to use turkey bacon or pancetta as a healthier or more flavorful alternative.
Peas: Frozen peas are a convenient option, and their slight sweetness balances the richness of the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce, heavy cream gives the pasta that rich, velvety texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatics add depth and savory notes to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Substitutions:

Pasta: Gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini can be used for gluten-free options.
Cream: You can substitute heavy cream with a lighter option, such as milk or a plant-based cream for dairy-free versions.

How To Make Penne Pasta, Peas, and Bacon

Follow these simple steps to create this creamy, comforting dish:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
Crisp the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little bit of the bacon fat and sauté the garlic and onion over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Add Peas and Bacon: Stir in the peas and crumble the bacon over the pasta. Toss everything together until evenly combined.
Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Storage Options

To keep your Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon fresh, here’s how to store and reheat it:

Room Temperature: This dish should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Store it promptly after cooking.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess.
Freezing: While the pasta can be frozen, the cream sauce may change in texture. To freeze, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Reheating Tips: When reheating, add a little extra cream or water to revive the sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

Looking to mix things up? Try these variations to give your Penne Pasta a new twist:

Add Vegetables: Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Lover’s Delight: Add a handful of grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese for a richer, cheesier version.
Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Bacon-Free Version: Use smoked turkey or vegetarian bacon to cater to different dietary preferences.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pasta and bacon ahead of time. Simply store the sauce separately and combine everything when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! You can substitute penne with any short pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating? To avoid separating, make sure to cook the sauce over low heat and don’t let it boil. Stir constantly for a smooth texture.
Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, use dairy-free cream (like coconut cream) and omit cheese for a completely dairy-free version.
How long does this dish last in the fridge? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon? Yes, it freezes well. Just be aware that the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly upon reheating.

Conclusion

This Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon is an easy-to-make, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet peas, and creamy sauce is a winner every time. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing with family, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and make it your own!

Penne Pasta, Peas, and Bacon: Quick & Creamy Comfort Food

Author: Sofia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta
4 slices of bacon, chopped
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Cook penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
Sauté garlic and onion in bacon fat.
Add heavy cream to make the sauce, simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Combine pasta, sauce, peas, and bacon, and toss together.
Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 500
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g