Pasta Pancetta Peas Recipe

Let’s face it, sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. And this pasta pancetta peas recipe is a testament to that! It’s a quick and easy, flavorful meal, perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend lunch.

What Is Pasta Pancetta Peas?

Pasta pancetta peas is a classic Italian-inspired dish that combines pasta with crispy pancetta (Italian cured pork belly), peas, and a flavorful sauce.

Ingredients:

• Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of your favorite dried pasta shape. Fusilli, penne, or farfalle work well.
• Pancetta: 4 ounces (113g) pancetta, chopped into small cubes.
• Peas: 2 cups (240g) frozen peas, thawed.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
• Cream (Optional): ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream or whipping cream.
• Cheese: ½ cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
• Fresh Herbs (Optional): A handful of chopped fresh parsley, basil, or chives for garnish.

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Crisp the Pancetta: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat while the pasta cooks. Add the pancetta and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pancetta from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Peas: Add the garlic to the pan with the remaining olive oil. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the peas and cook for another minute or two until heated through.
4. Incorporate the Cream (Optional): If using cream, pour it into the pan and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly thickened.
5. Combine and Season: Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water (start with ¼ cup and add more if needed to create a desired sauce consistency), Parmesan cheese, and cooked pancetta back to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Garnish: If desired, plate the pasta and garnish with fresh herbs (optional) and additional Parmesan cheese.

Tips:

• Don’t overcook the pancetta. You want it crispy, not chewy.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that will cling to the pasta.
• If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water or a splash of milk.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the pancetta and add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a milk or pasta water splash if needed to loosen the Pasta pancetta peas sauce.

What To Serve With

Fresh Green Salad

• Arugula Salad: Toss arugula with shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
• Mixed Greens: Combine baby spinach, romaine, and radicchio with a simple balsamic vinaigrette.
• Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing sprinkled with Parmesan.

Garlic Bread

• Traditional Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices with garlic butter and parsley is also a good pair with the Pasta pancetta peas.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add a layer of mozzarella or Parmesan cheese before toasting.

Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled Asparagus: Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Grilled Zucchini and Bell Peppers: Seasoned with Italian herbs and olive oil.

Roasted Chicken

• Herb-Roasted Chicken: Seasoned with rosemary, thyme, garlic, and lemon.
• Lemon Pepper Chicken: Roasted with lemon slices and cracked black pepper.

Baked Salmon

• Lemon Dill Salmon: Baked with lemon slices, fresh dill, and olive oil.
• Garlic Butter Salmon: Topped with a garlic butter sauce before baking.

Italian Sausage

• Grilled Italian Sausage: Serve sliced with sautéed peppers and onions.
• Baked Italian Sausage: Cooked in marinara sauce and served with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Wine

• White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the Pasta pancetta peas.
• Red Wine: A light red like Chianti or Pinot Noir works well with the Pasta pancetta peas.

Health Benefits

Pasta

• Energy Source: Pasta is rich in carbohydrates, the body’s primary energy source. This makes it an excellent choice for replenishing glycogen stores after physical activities.
• B-Vitamins: Enriched pasta provides B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid, essential for energy production, brain function, and cell metabolism.
• Low Fat: Pasta is typically low in fat, making it a good base for a balanced diet if paired with nutrient-dense ingredients.

Pancetta

• Protein: Pancetta offers high-quality protein for muscle repair, growth, and overall cellular function.
• B-Vitamins: Pancetta contains vitamins like B12, which are crucial for red blood cell formation and neurological function.
• Flavor Enhancement: While high in fat, pancetta adds a rich, savory flavor, allowing for more modest portions of meat in the Pasta pancetta peas dish while still achieving a satisfying taste.

Peas

• Fiber: Peas are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and supports heart health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Peas are rich in vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins, along with minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients support immune function, bone health, and muscle function.
• Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids, and polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.

Garlic And Onion

• Antioxidants: Garlic and onions are loaded with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
• Cardiovascular Benefits: They contribute to heart health by improving cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Both garlic and onions have natural antimicrobial properties that can boost the immune system.

Parmesan Or Pecorino Cheese

• Calcium and Phosphorus: These cheeses are rich in calcium and phosphorus, essential for bone health.
• Protein: They provide a good amount of protein, necessary for muscle maintenance and repair.
• Probiotics: Aged cheeses contain beneficial bacteria that support gut health.

Olive Oil Or Butter

• Healthy Fats: Olive oil is a source of monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and can help lower harmful cholesterol levels.
• Vitamins: Olive oil contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.
• Flavor: Using a small amount of butter adds a rich flavor and provides fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.

Herbs And Spices

• Antioxidant Properties: Fresh herbs like parsley add flavor, antioxidants, and vitamins like vitamins C and K.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Herbs and spices can have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, contributing to overall health.

Considerations For Healthier Choices

• Whole-Grain Pasta: Opt for whole-grain pasta to increase fiber content and nutritional value.
• Pancetta Portions: Use pancetta sparingly to manage fat and sodium intake, or consider leaner alternatives like turkey bacon.
• Low-Fat Dairy: Choose lower-fat cheese versions or reduce the quantity used to minimize saturated fats.
• Balance with Vegetables: Adding more vegetables can increase fiber and nutrient density, enhancing the dish’s health benefits.

Final Thoughts

this pasta with pancetta and peas is a dish that punches well above its weight. It’s simple to prepare, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a flavor combination that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy, and it’s also elegant enough to serve to guests.

More Pasta Recipes:

• BAKED ORZO WITH CHICKEN RECIPE
• SPAGHETTIOS WITH MEATBALLS RECIPE 
• CHICKEN BROCCOLI ZITI RECIPE
• BOURSIN ORZO RECIPE
• BACON TOMATO SAUCE PASTA RECIPE

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