There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of pasta with bacon, peas and cream. It comes together quickly, uses ingredients most of us already have in the fridge and freezer, and it’s the kind of dinner that gets cleared plates from even the fussiest eaters. If you’ve got hungry kids clamouring for food and not much time to cook, this is the recipe to reach for.
This version is adapted from a recipe in Nigella Lawson’s Feast. If you want a change from cream and Parmesan, you can also try the swap suggested by Jeanette Orrey in The Dinner Lady: stir 300g grated cheddar cheese and 100ml milk into the drained pasta at the end instead, until the cheese melts through.
You may also enjoy: 9 Simple Pasta Recipes For Kids (and They’re Ready Quickly!)
Pasta with Bacon, Peas and Cream
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 400g farfalle (bow ties) or other short pasta
- 200g frozen peas
- 225g bacon, diced (or use leftover diced ham)
- 300ml double cream
- 50g freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra to serve
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
1. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions in plenty of boiling salted water. After 5 minutes, add the peas to the pot so they cook alongside the pasta.
2. Meanwhile, fry the bacon in a separate pan until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
3. When the pasta is cooked, drain it along with the peas. Put the pot back on the heat with the bacon, cream and Parmesan. Stir well and warm through. Add the drained pasta and peas back into the pan and toss everything together. Season to taste and serve with extra Parmesan grated on top.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ham instead of bacon?
Yes. Leftover diced ham works well in this recipe and saves you a step, since you can stir it straight in without frying it first.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best cooked fresh and served straight away, as the cream sauce is at its best when freshly warmed through. If you do have leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat gently on the hob with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze pasta with bacon, peas and cream?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze particularly well as they can separate on reheating, so this recipe is best enjoyed fresh or kept as a fridge leftover for a day or two.
What pasta shapes work best?
Farfalle (bow ties) hold the sauce nicely, but any short pasta shape, such as penne or fusilli, will work just as well.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can swap the double cream for a lower-fat cream or crème fraîche if you prefer a lighter sauce, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
Related Recipes You Might Like
- 9 Simple Pasta Recipes For Kids (and They’re Ready Quickly!)
- Quick and Tasty Tuna Pasta Casserole the Whole Family Will Enjoy
Looking for more family dinner inspiration? Browse our full collection of family food and recipe ideas for more quick, kid-friendly meals to add to your weekly rotation.
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