Looking for a quick pasta dinner that feels comforting yet elegant? This Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon is the answer. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines tender pasta with sweet green peas, crispy bacon, and onions, all tied together with a touch of heavy cream. It’s savory, creamy, and simple—perfect for weeknights or when you need a last-minute dinner for family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in the time it takes to cook the pasta.
- Flavorful Combo: Sweet peas, smoky bacon, and onions balance beautifully.
- Family-Friendly: Simple ingredients everyone enjoys.
- Flexible: Can be made meatless, with cheese, or with different pasta shapes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Penne pasta – Holds the creamy sauce well (rigatoni, ziti, or orecchiette also work).
- Bacon – Thick-cut bacon crisps up nicely and adds smoky flavor.
- Peas – Frozen peas make this dish extra easy, but fresh peas are wonderful if available.
- Yellow onion – Adds sweetness and depth.
- Olive oil – For sautéing.
- Heavy cream – Binds the ingredients into a rich, silky sauce.
- Optional cheese – Parmesan, pecorino, or ricotta salata.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta & peas
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions, minus one minute for al dente. Halfway through cooking, add the frozen peas. - Cook the bacon & onions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bacon, cooking until crisp and golden but not burnt. - Bring it together
Drain the pasta and peas, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water. Add pasta and peas to the skillet with the bacon and onions. Reduce heat to medium, stir in heavy cream, and mix until everything is well-coated. Add a splash of pasta water if you’d like it creamier. - Serve hot
Plate immediately while piping hot. Top with freshly cracked pepper and grated cheese, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Salt your pasta water—it’s the foundation of flavor.
- Use a large skillet so the sauce and pasta combine easily.
- Serve right away; pasta continues cooking as it sits.
- Keep some pasta water on hand to adjust creaminess.
Variations & Substitutions
- Meatless: Skip the bacon and use butter or olive oil. Add mushrooms for extra richness.
- Cheesy: Toss in Parmesan, pecorino, or ricotta salata for added depth.
- Protein boost: Swap bacon with crumbled sausage or pancetta.
- Lighten it up: Use half-and-half or a mix of cream cheese and milk instead of heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish in a big pasta bowl family-style, or portion it into individual bowls and let everyone add their own cheese on top. Pair with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Recipe Card
Penne Pasta with Peas and Bacon
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- ¾ lb penne pasta
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, adding peas halfway through.
- In a large skillet, sauté onion and bacon in olive oil until crisp.
- Drain pasta and peas, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Add to skillet.
- Stir in heavy cream and toss until coated. Add pasta water if needed.
- Serve immediately with cheese and black pepper.
✨ This dish is one of those rare weeknight recipes that feels both comforting and elegant—perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a casual gathering with friends.