It’s 6 PM. You’re staring into the fridge. You need something fast, but you’re so done with boring food. Sound familiar? I get it. We all want a win on a Wednesday. If you’re looking for other quick pasta ideas, this Parmesan Pea Pasta is another fantastic cheesy option.
That’s where this Spring Pea and Pancetta Pasta comes in. It’s your weeknight superhero. We’re talking about a dish that feels fancy but cooks in the time it takes to boil water. It’s the perfect mix of salty and sweet, ready in a flash.
This recipe is my secret weapon for busy nights. It uses simple stuff to make something seriously special. Let’s get that dinner on the table.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ultimate Guide to Spring Pea and Pancetta Pasta
This isn’t just another pasta recipe. This is your blueprint for a no-stress, high-reward meal. Why is this the only guide you need?
First, the flavor is incredible. Salty, crispy pancetta meets sweet, bright peas. It’s a classic combo for a reason. A little lemon and Parmesan tie it all together.
Second, speed is everything. We’re done in about 25 minutes. That’s faster than delivery. You can multitask like a pro. Boil pasta, cook the good stuff, and combine.
Finally, it’s stupidly easy. No fancy skills required. If you can stir a pan, you’ve got this. I’ll walk you through every simple step.
The Simple Ingredients
Check your pantry. You probably have half of this already. That’s the beauty of it. Here’s your short shopping list.
- 12 oz (340g) short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or orecchiette
- 4 oz (115g) pancetta, diced small
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups sweet peas (frozen is perfect!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Zest and juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Black pepper to taste (you likely won’t need salt)
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Ready? Put on some music. Fill a pot with water. Let’s move. This process is fast and fluid.
Spring Pea and Pancetta Pasta Recipe
The Simple Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Spring Pea and Pancetta Pasta Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Boil the pasta. Heavily salt a large pot of water. Bring it to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente (check the package time).
- Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This is liquid gold for your sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the pancetta. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium. Add the diced pancetta. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s crispy and the fat has rendered.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave that delicious fat in the pan!
- Build the flavor base. Add the chopped onion to the pancetta fat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for just 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add the peas. Toss in the frozen peas. No need to thaw! Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes just to heat them through. They should stay bright green.
- Bring it all together. Add the drained pasta and crispy pancetta back to the skillet. Toss everything to combine.
- Create the sauce. Start adding the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time, tossing constantly. The starch will create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. You may not need the full cup.
- Finish it bright. Turn off the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and most of the parsley. Give it a taste. Add black pepper now.
- Serve immediately, topped with more Parmesan and the remaining parsley.
What to Serve With This Dish
This pasta is a full meal. But if you want to round it out, keep it simple. No extra hour-long projects here. For a heartier, meatier pasta night, you might also love this classic Creamy Beef and Shells.
A quick green salad is perfect. Just toss some arugula with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It’s done in two minutes.
Some crusty bread is always a good idea. Use it to scoop up any last bits of sauce from your plate. No flavor left behind.
Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)
Don’t have one ingredient? No panic. This recipe is flexible. Use what you’ve got.
Swap the pancetta for thick-cut bacon. Or, for a vegetarian version, skip the meat. Start with 2 tbsp of olive oil and add a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat.
Use asparagus instead of peas. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it with the onions. Fresh mint or basil can stand in for the parsley.
No lemon? A tiny splash of white wine vinegar or white wine added with the peas will add that needed brightness.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
This pasta is best fresh. But leftovers happen. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
The pasta will soak up the sauce. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to a skillet over low heat. Stir until it’s warm and saucy again. The microwave works in a pinch.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~550
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
*Note: This is an estimate per serving. Values will vary based on specific ingredients used.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you find fresh spring peas, use them. Just blanch them in the pasta water for 1 minute before adding to the skillet.
My sauce seems dry. What did I do wrong?
You probably just need more pasta water. Don’t be shy! Add it a few splashes at a time while tossing. The starch will thicken it into a perfect, creamy sauce.
Is pancetta the same as bacon?
Similar, but not quite. Pancetta is Italian, cured but not smoked. Bacon is smoked. Bacon works great here, it just adds a smokier flavor.
See? I told you it was simple. You just made a restaurant-worthy pasta in less than half an hour. That’s a major win for a weeknight. If you enjoy the bright, creamy flavors here, you should definitely try my Lemon Ricotta Pasta next time.
This Spring Pea and Pancetta Pasta proves that fast food can be fantastic food. You don’t need all day to make something delicious. You just need the right plan.
Go try this and win back your weeknight! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!
