Pasta with Pancetta and Peas : An Easy and Unforgettable Weeknight Dinner

My Pasta with Pancetta and Peas recipe is a quick dish perfect for busy weeknights. This family-friendly pasta meal includes a few simple ingredients but still packs a punch.

What I love most about this dish is that it comes together in under 30 minutes! Pasta with pancetta and peas has a little bit of everything. This dish has salty pancetta, plump, bursting peas, cheese, basil, and a touch of lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you have a winning weeknight meal that anyone will enjoy. Plus, this dish is great as leftovers!

The best part? It’s not a high-maintenance recipe. Just top it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil, and boom – you’ve got a pasta dish that’s as down-to-earth as it is delicious. If you’re looking for more delicious weeknight pastas, check out my Authentic Carbonara Recipe with No Cream, Tagliatelle al Ragu, or my Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Basil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s delicious – You will love the pasta with pancetta and peas for its perfect fusion of rich, crispy pancetta and sweet peas. It’s a bright dish with a little bit of extra saltiness from the pancetta.
• Quick and easy preparation -This recipe’s appeal lies in its quick cooking time, making it an ideal choice for busy families seeking a gourmet weeknight dinner that is both delicious and effortlessly prepared.
• Versatility and customization – With the flexibility to experiment with pasta shapes, herbs, and additional ingredients, you can personalize this dish to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

• Orecchiette – Orecchiette, with its unique ear-shaped design, cradles the flavorful pancetta and peas, creating little pockets that capture the sauce’s richness. Its small size ensures each bite is a perfect blend of pasta, pancetta, and peas.
• Pancetta – Pancetta takes center stage, infusing the dish with its savory, cured flavor. Rendered to a crispy perfection, it provides a smoky undertone that combines well with the pasta and peas, elevating the entire flavor profile.
• Frozen peas – Frozen peas bring a burst of vibrant sweetness and a pop of color to the dish. Their convenience ensures a quick addition, maintaining their freshness and crisp texture, balancing out the richness of the pancetta and adding a delightful element to each forkful.
• Shallot – Shallots, finely chopped and sautéed, add a subtle depth of flavor and sweetness to the dish. Their aromatic essence enhances the overall savory profile, creating a nice balance with the pancetta and peas.
• Basil – Fresh basil leaves contribute a fragrant and herbaceous note, brightening up the dish with their lively scent.
• Lemon juice and zest – Lemon juice and zest provide a zesty lift, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing citrusy element. Their bright acidity enhances the overall balance of flavors, offering a contrast to the savory pancetta.
• Grated Parmigiano Reggiano – Grated Parmigiano Reggiano adds a salty and nutty richness that ties the ingredients together. Its finely aged flavor elevates the dish, providing a luxurious finish that lingers on the palate.

Substitutions

• No peas? No problem! – Fresh or frozen spinach adds a leafy green component and a mild earthy flavor. You could also add asparagus. Cut into bite-sized pieces, asparagus provides a crisp texture and a slightly sweet taste. Or, instead of peas in this pasta with pancetta and peas dish, chopped broccoli florets offer a hearty and nutritious substitute with a subtle sweetness.
• No pancetta – Try bacon! A common substitute, bacon brings a similar smoky flavor to the dish. Or, use prosciutto! Thinly sliced prosciutto can be used for a more delicate and slightly saltier alternative.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Start by boiling salted water for pasta. Meanwhile, crisp pancetta until golden, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Retain pancetta oil in the pan and sauté shallot and garlic until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the frozen peas to the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes before heading to the next step.

Step 3: Add salt and pepper before stirring to combine.

Step 4: Then, add basil to the peas and mix.

Step 5: Add the fresh lemon zest.

Step 6: Add the pancetta. Mix to combine and cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Take the pan off the heat and add the cooked pasta, butter, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Stir to combine until butter is melted and coats the pasta.

Step 8: Add some of the reserved pasta water if you need a little more liquid! Serve immediately.

Tips and Notes

• Grab some paper towels – You must use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked pancetta from the pan and put into paper towels so that they don’t get soggy and stay nice and crisp!
• Feel free to add more veg – You could easily add some more vegetables like asparagus to pump up this dish.

Recipe FAQs

Serving Suggestions

• Wine pairing – A crisp and refreshing white wine like Pinot Grigio works well with pasta dishes. Its citrusy notes and acidity can cut through the richness of the pancetta, while the overall lightness won’t overpower the delicate sweetness of the peas. A unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay can also be a good match. Look for one with bright acidity and flavors of green apple or citrus, as it can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pancetta.
• Start with something fresh – Start your meal off with a delicious appetizer, like Pesto Bruschetta with Marinated Tomatoes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage – Allow the pasta dish to cool to room temperature before storing it. Place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge.
• Reheating in the microwave: For a quick reheat, use a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the pasta with pancetta and peas to add moisture and cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until the pasta reaches the desired temperature.
• Reheating on the stovetop: For a more controlled reheating process, warm the peas pancetta pasta in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a bit of water or broth to the pan to prevent sticking, and stir frequently until it’s heated through.
• Reheating in the oven: To reheat larger portions or if you want to maintain a crispy texture, use an oven. Preheat the oven to a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C), cover the pasta with foil to prevent drying, and warm it for about 15-20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.