This easy to make Creamy Pancetta and Peas Pasta is made with crispy pancetta in a flavorful, garlicy sauce made with heavy cream and parmesan cheese.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

This creamy pancetta and peas pasta is such an easy to put together and delicious dinner idea. My family loves anything with pancetta in it. Those little crispy pieces of pork can make almost anything taste great.Combine that with some pasta, sweet peas and a cheesy cream sauce and you've got yourself one home run dinner.

This dish does not require a lot of ingredients. The recipe itself is very simple but that doesn't mean its lacking in flavor. In fact, I think it's just the opposite. The minimal ingredients really let the flavor of each one shine through. Sometimes nothing hits the spot quite like a nice big bowl of warm comfort food like this.

Ingredients

Heres everything you'll need to make this delicious dinner. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.

Bow Tie Pasta - The perfect pasta to hold onto all the delicious sauce.
Pasta Water- Salty, starchy goodness that helps the sauce stick onto the pasta.
Pancetta- Adds texture, color and delicious salty flavor.
Onion- Brings a touch of sweetness.
Garlic- Adds an earthy, homemade taste and feel.
Italian Seasoning- The perfect amount of Italian herbs and spices.
Garlic Powder- Brings the garlic flavor smoothy throughout the sauce.
Heavy Cream- Makes the sauce rich, creamy and indulgent.
Salt and Pepper- Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Frozen Peas- Adds a pop of color, brightness and freshness that compliments the pancetta perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese- Adds a slightly salty and nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce a bit, too.

How To Make It

Heres everything you'll need to make this delicious pasta. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.

First, heat the pancetta in a large pan until crispy. Add the onion, garlic and Italian seasoning and sauté for about 3 minutes or until the onion is soft. Now, add the heavy cream, parmesan cheese and peas. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and garlic powder and stir everything together.

PRO TIP: Warm the heavy cream in the microwave for about 15 seconds before adding it. This will make it incorporate into the sauce easier.

Now add the cooked bow ties and a ladle of the pasta water to the sauce. Toss the pasta into the sauce until the bow ties are evenly coated. Serve warm and enjoy!

PRO TIP: The pasta water is essential for bringing all the flavors together and helping the sauce stick to the pasta.

Do I Have To Use Pancetta?

Not necessarily. Many grocery stores carry pancetta but if you cant find it, bacon cut into small pieces would be okay to use, too.

Should I Thaw The Peas?

No, theres no need to thaw the peas. Just add them into the sauce frozen and they will break apart, defrost and cook perfectly.

What Should I Serve This With?

Pasta like this always goes great with some Homemade Italian Garlic bread and a nice, big side salad. If you're looking for something a little more filling, try some Classic Italian Meatballs or Chicken Cutlets.

Storage

Let the pasta cool completely and place it into a food safe air tight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days.