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4.97 from 31 votes

Creamy Pasta with Peas and Pancetta

A rich and addictive creamy pea and pancetta pasta. Freshened up with fresh lemon and arugula for an easy weeknight meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Meat Sauces
Cuisine: Italian Inspired
Keyword: creamy pasta, pea and pancetta pasta
Servings: 2 people
Author: Emilie Pullar

Ingredients

  • 220 g dried pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 120 g pancetta cut into small cubes
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 120 g frozen peas about ¾ cup
  • ¾ cup cream
  • 50 g parmesan finely grated
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice plus zest to serve
  • Salt to taste
  • Extra parmesan to serve
  • Optional: 1 cup packed arugula

Instructions

  • Cook your pasta in a pot of well salted boiling water according to packet instructions. I tend to undercook dried pasta by a minute so it remains al dente and can finish cooking in the sauce. Reserve a cup of pasta water towards the end of the cooking.
  • Fry the pancetta in a large skillet in the olive oil over a medium heat until golden, 5 - 6 mins.
  • Add the garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds. Moving it around so it doesn't burn.
  • Add the frozen peas and toss for another 30 seconds.
  • Add the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat if you need, it should never bubble/boil aggressively. A VERY gentle simmer.
  • Add the parmesan in 2 -3 lots, stirring and letting it melt in between each addition.
  • Add the pepper and lemon juice and mix in quickly.
  • Add the pasta with ¼ cup pasta water and mix. Let it all gently bubble away for a minute or two to thicken. Remember it will thicken a lot off the heat.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper. You shouldn't need to add much. Add more pasta water if you need to loosen.
  • Finish with the arugula if using.
  • Serve between bowls, topping with extra parmesan and grated lemon zest.

Video

Notes

  • Timing is always tricky but you'll get the hang of it the more you make it! My pasta took 7 minutes to cook so I started the sauce slightly before putting the pasta in the water. I like to time it so I can add the pasta straight from the water to the sauce.