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Creamy Lemon Pasta with Peas and Crispy Bacon

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A quick and easy creamy lemon pasta featuring peas and crispy bacon, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a bright, tangy flavor and smoky crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne or farfalle recommended)
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 medium lemon, zest and juice
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and leave bacon fat in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet with bacon fat, add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned. Add 1 cup (150g) thawed peas and sauté for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 medium lemon. Slowly mix in 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet with sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick. The pasta should be luxuriously coated but not swimming.
  7. Fold in crispy bacon pieces. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

To prevent sauce from splitting, add lemon juice off heat or on very low heat and stir constantly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Cook bacon on medium heat for perfect crispness. Thaw peas before cooking for even warming. Toss pasta with sauce just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy lemon pasta, peas, crispy bacon, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/creamy-lemon-pasta-with-peas-and-crispy-bacon-easy-recipe-for-dinner-delight/