Creamy Bacon Pea Pasta

If you are looking for a creamy bacon pea pasta that the entire family will devour in minutes, this is the recipe for you. This gorgeous, restaurant-worthy dish comes together in just 30 minutes using simple pantry staples, making it the ultimate easy weeknight dinner. Tender pappardelle noodles are tossed in a velvety parmesan cream sauce, studded with crispy bacon and sweet green peas. It is pure comfort food at its finest.

Why This Creamy Pappardelle With Bacon and Peas Is a Family Favorite

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There are some recipes that earn a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation, and this creamy bacon pea pasta is one of them. The combination of salty, crispy bacon with the subtle sweetness of green peas creates a flavor balance that kids and adults both love. The silky cream sauce clings to every ribbon of pappardelle, delivering rich flavor in every single bite. Best of all, the ingredient list is short and the prep work is minimal, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table with your family.

Ingredients for Easy Creamy Pasta With Bacon

One of the best things about this dish is that you likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. Here is everything you will need to make this creamy bacon pea pasta from scratch.

12 oz pappardelle pasta (or any wide egg noodle)
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into small pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

How to Make This Quick Pasta Dinner Step by Step

This simple pasta recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps and you will have dinner on the table in no time.

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water. This is the secret weapon for a perfectly silky sauce.

Step 2 – Crisp the Bacon. While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 3 – Build the Cream Sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic to the bacon drippings and cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the cream simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

Step 4 – Add the Peas and Cheese. Stir in the frozen peas and let them cook in the warm sauce for about 2 minutes. Then sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a rich, cheesy coating.

Step 5 – Toss Everything Together. Add the drained pappardelle directly into the skillet and toss to coat every ribbon of pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss again until you reach your desired consistency. Fold in most of the crispy bacon, saving some for topping.

Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy. Plate the pasta in bowls, top with the remaining crispy bacon, an extra shower of parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while it is hot and creamy.

Tips for the Best Comfort Food Pasta Recipe

A few small tweaks can take this creamy bacon pea pasta from great to absolutely incredible. First, always salt your pasta water generously — it should taste like the sea. This seasons the pasta from the inside out. Second, do not skip the pasta water. That starchy liquid is what helps the cream sauce cling beautifully to the noodles instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl. Third, grate your own parmesan from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese. It melts so much more smoothly and gives the sauce a luxurious texture. Finally, add the peas toward the end so they stay bright green and slightly sweet rather than turning mushy.

Simple Ingredient Swaps for This One Pot Pasta Dish

This recipe is incredibly flexible and can be adapted based on what you have in your refrigerator or pantry. If you cannot find pappardelle, fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even rigatoni work beautifully with this cream sauce. Pancetta can be used in place of bacon for a slightly different flavor, or you can use turkey bacon for a lighter option. If you want to add more vegetables, try stirring in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms. For a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the garlic step works wonderfully.

Printable Recipe Card – Creamy Bacon Pea Pasta

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

12 oz pappardelle pasta
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pappardelle until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7
minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in frozen peas and cook for 2 minutes. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
Fold in crispy bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve topped with extra parmesan, remaining bacon, and fresh herbs.

Notes: Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Reserve pasta water before draining — it is the key to a silky sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Creamy Pasta

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in our house), this creamy bacon pea pasta stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place it in an airtight container and when you are ready to reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk. The extra liquid helps the sauce come back to life. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the cream sauce can separate. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so consider halving the recipe if you are cooking for fewer people.

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