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Creamy Pasta with Peas and Pancetta

Creamy Pasta with Peas and Pancetta

A rich and addictive creamy pea and pancetta pasta, freshened up with lemon and arugula for an easy weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Meat Sauces
Cuisine Italian Inspired
Servings 2 people
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 220 g dried pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 120 g pancetta cut into small cubes
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 120 g frozen peas about ¾ cup
  • ¾ cup cream
  • 50 g parmesan finely grated
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice plus zest to serve
  • Salt to taste
  • Extra parmesan to serve
  • 1 cup arugula packed, optional

Instructions
 

  • Cook your pasta in a pot of well salted boiling water according to packet instructions. I tend to undercook dried pasta by a minute so it remains al dente and can finish cooking in the sauce. Reserve a cup of pasta water towards the end of the cooking.
  • Fry the pancetta in a large skillet in the olive oil over a medium heat until golden, 5 - 6 mins.
  • Add the garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds, moving it around so it doesn't burn.
  • Add the frozen peas and toss for another 30 seconds.
  • Add the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat if needed; it should never bubble/boil aggressively. A VERY gentle simmer.
  • Add the parmesan in 2 - 3 lots, stirring and letting it melt in between each addition.
  • Add the pepper and lemon juice and mix in quickly.
  • Add the pasta with ¼ cup pasta water and mix. Let it all gently bubble away for a minute or two to thicken. Remember it will thicken a lot off the heat.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper. You shouldn't need to add much. Add more pasta water if you need to loosen.
  • Finish with the arugula if using.
  • Serve between bowls, topping with extra parmesan and grated lemon zest.

Notes

Timing is always tricky but you'll get the hang of it the more you make it! My pasta took 7 minutes to cook so I started the sauce slightly before putting the pasta in the water. I like to time it so I can add the pasta straight from the water to the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword creamy pasta, pea and pancetta pasta
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