Pasta with Peas and Pancetta

Pasta with peas and pancetta is a quick and tasty dish, perfect for a delicious dinner. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 350 g of pasta, such as penne or fusilli
  • 150 g of diced pancetta or strips
  • 250 g of fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan or Pecorino to serve
  • A dash of cream (optional)

Preparation

  1. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the pancetta until it becomes crispy.

  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the pancetta and fry until it becomes translucent.

  3. If you are using frozen peas, add them directly to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until they thaw and become tender. If you are using fresh peas, boil them in salted water for about 5 minutes before adding them to the skillet.

  4. In the meantime, bring a pot of water to a boil, salt it, and cook the pasta until al dente.

  5. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the cooking water.

  6. Add the pasta to the skillet with the pancetta and peas, mix well.

  7. If you want to make the dish creamier, add a dash of cream and stir to combine, adding a little pasta cooking water if necessary.

  8. Season with salt and pepper as you like.

  9. Serve hot with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan or Pecorino, as desired.

The combination of sweet peas, the saltiness of pancetta, and the richness of the cheese makes this dish a great option for a quick but tasty lunch or dinner. Enjoy your meal!

Pasta with Peas and Pancetta