Single-serving Pasta with Peas and Bacon
Dive into the simplicity and flavor of our Single-Serving Pasta with Bacon and Peas recipe, a culinary gem that stands out from the rest. In just 15 minutes, you’ll craft a budget-friendly, versatile dish using pantry staples. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a quick, delicious solution for busy lifestyles.
This quick and easy single-serving pasta with bacon and peas recipe, a perfect choice for a fast-paced lifestyle! Ideal for a quick lunch or dinner, this dish stands out for its simplicity and rapid preparation, requiring only 15 minutes of your time.
You’ll appreciate how it combines common, budget-friendly ingredients from your pantry and freezer, making it not only delicious but also kind to your wallet.
This recipe’s flexibility allows you to experiment with different types of pasta, perfect for using up those pantry leftovers. A key tip for an exceptionally flavorful dish is to reserve some of the starchy pasta water, which helps create a silky and rich sauce.
Looking to add a personal touch?
Consider variations like topping with a fried egg, stirring in some fresh spinach, adding crispy fried onions, a splash of malt vinegar, or a swirl of heavy cream. Each addition brings a unique twist, transforming this simple dish into a delightful culinary experience.
Dive into this recipe and discover how quick, easy, and versatile cooking can be!
To make it easier for you to manage the leftovers, you should give a try to the bacon and green peas soup the next day.
🌟 Recipe Tips
- Opt for high-quality pasta. If you prefer a healthier option, whole wheat or legume-based pastas are great choices. They not only add a nutritional punch but also hold up well with the bacon and peas.
- Start with a cold pan when cooking the bacon. This technique allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in crisp bacon without burning.
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy and won’t blend well with the other ingredients.
- Add garlic to the bacon fat just before it’s done. This infuses the oil with flavor and prevents the garlic from burning.
- If you’re adding chili flakes, sprinkle them in while cooking the bacon. It helps release their oils and evenly distributes the heat throughout the dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and has a superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
🥘 Ingredients & Substitutes
- Pasta. The base of your dish, providing texture and substance. If traditional pasta isn’t your thing, try spiralized vegetables like zucchini or squash for a low-carb alternative. They offer a similar texture and are a great way to sneak in extra veggies.
- Bacon. Adds a smoky, savory depth. For a vegetarian twist, consider using smoked tempeh or shiitake mushrooms. Both mimic the umami richness of bacon, making them excellent plant-based substitutes.
- Green Peas. Bring a sweet, fresh pop to the dish. It wasn’t the season of it, so I used frozen peas. If you have it under hand, you can use and fresh green peas for a more enhanced flavor. If peas aren’t to your liking or you’re looking for variety, chopped asparagus or green beans can be great substitutes, offering a similar crunch and freshness.
- Parmesan. mparts a salty, nutty flavor and creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free or vegan, nutritional yeast is a fantastic alternative, providing a similar cheesy flavor without the dairy.
- Garlic. A key flavor enhancer, adding depth and aroma. If garlic isn’t your thing, shallots are a milder substitute. They provide a subtle sweetness and won’t overpower the dish.
- Chili Flakes (Optional). For those who love a spicy kick. If chili flakes are too intense, paprika can be a milder substitute, offering warmth without too much heat. Conversely, for more fire, diced fresh jalapeños can ramp up the spice level.
👩🍳 Directions
To start, bring water to a boil for the pasta. When the water begins to boil, add a teaspoon of salt, then add the pasta to cook.
While the pasta is boiling, prepare the sauce. Take a skillet and add finely chopped bacon, crushed garlic, and chili pepper to taste.
Cook over low heat until the bacon fat begins to melt and the garlic emits a pleasant aroma.
Quick Note:
Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.
Next, add the frozen peas and continue cooking on low heat until the peas soften. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water to facilitate the cooking of the peas and help form the sauce.
When the pasta is cooked “al dente”, drain it and add it to the sauce in the skillet.
Mix all the ingredients well, then turn off the heat and add Parmesan cheese and a bit of freshly ground black pepper.
Serve immediately while the pasta is hot.
🍴 How to Double the Recipe:
Doubling this recipe is straightforward. Simply double each ingredient: use two portions of pasta, double the amount of bacon, peas, Parmesan, garlic, and, if using, chili flakes.
When cooking, ensure your pan is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity, especially for evenly cooking the bacon and sautéing the garlic. Also, adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, particularly for rendering the bacon and achieving al dente pasta, as a larger quantity may alter these cooking times.
Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as you go, as doubling ingredients might require a slight tweak in salt and pepper to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
🍽️ Servings
Rustic Italian Feast
- Components: Enhance the pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread, a simple mixed greens salad dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine.
- Presentation: Serve the pasta in a deep, rustic bowl with the salad on a small side plate. Place the garlic bread on a separate small plate or a shared platter. Pour the wine into a stem glass to elevate the experience.
- Occasion: Perfect for a cozy dinner date at home or when you want to indulge in a restaurant-style Italian meal.
Mediterranean-Inspired Lunch
- Components: Add a side of marinated artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and a small portion of feta cheese. Consider a light, crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
- Presentation: Present the pasta in a bright, colorful bowl. Arrange the artichokes, olives, and feta cheese on a small plate, complementing the main dish’s colors. Serve the drink in a tall glass for a refreshing touch.
- Occasion: Ideal for a vibrant and flavorful lunch, especially suitable for warm, sunny days.
Comfort Food Delight
- Components: Accompany the pasta with steamed green beans or broccoli and a creamy mushroom sauce on the side. A non-alcoholic cider or warm herbal tea would pair well.
- Presentation: Use a wide, shallow bowl for the pasta, with the steamed vegetables on the side. Offer the mushroom sauce in a small gravy boat or bowl, allowing for personal preference in the amount used.
- Occasion: Great for a comforting, nourishing meal on a chilly evening or when you’re in need of some homemade comfort food.
🍽️ Variations
Vegetarian Twist
- Variation: Replace the bacon with sun-dried tomatoes and add a handful of spinach. The sun-dried tomatoes provide a chewy texture and a tangy flavor, while the spinach adds freshness and nutritional value.
- Preparation Tip: Sauté the sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic, then add the spinach at the end to wilt it slightly without overcooking.
- Ideal For: Those following a vegetarian diet or anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their meals.
Seafood Delight
- Variation: Swap the bacon for shrimp or scallops, adding a seafood twist to the dish. The sweetness of the seafood pairs well with the peas and adds a luxurious feel.
- Preparation Tip: Cook the seafood separately until just done and add it to the pasta at the end to prevent overcooking.
- Ideal For: A fancy dinner option or for those who prefer seafood over meat.
Creamy Comfort
- Variation: Introduce a splash of cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to create a creamy version of the dish. This adds a luxurious texture and mellows the flavors.
- Preparation Tip: Stir in the cream or crème fraîche after the pasta is cooked and mix well to coat evenly.
- Ideal For: Comfort food days or when you want a richer, more indulgent meal.
Spicy Arrabbiata
- Variation: Amplify the heat by adding more chili flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or chopped fresh chili. This transforms the dish into a spicy arrabbiata-style pasta.
- Preparation Tip: Add the extra spices when cooking the bacon to infuse the oil with heat.
- Ideal For: Spice lovers or when you need an extra kick to your meal.
❄️ Storage
Refrigerating
- Duration: This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Method: Place the pasta in an airtight container. If possible, store components like Parmesan separately to maintain their texture.
- Weak Point: The pasta may absorb moisture and become softer over time. To mitigate this, a quick reheat can help revive its texture.
Freezing
- Duration: Freezing is not recommended for this dish. The texture of the pasta and peas can deteriorate, and creamy elements like Parmesan may separate upon thawing.
- Weak Point: Freezing can significantly impact the dish’s quality, leading to a mushy texture upon reheating.
Thawing and Reheating
- If Refrigerated: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop. For microwave reheating, cover the dish and heat on medium power to avoid drying it out. On the stovetop, reheat gently in a pan, possibly adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- If Frozen (not recommended): Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. However, expect a notable change in texture.
🤔 FAQs
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Bacon?
Can This Dish Be Made Ahead of Time?
📔 Recipe Card:
Savory Single-Serving Pasta with Peas and Bacon
Ingredients
- 3 oz Pasta Penne Rigate
- 2 slices Bacon
- ½ cup Frozen Green Peas
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan
- Chili pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Start by bringing water to a boil in a pot. Once boiling, add a teaspoon of salt and then the pasta. Cook until al dente.3 oz Pasta
- Prepare Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over low heat. Add finely chopped bacon, crushed garlic, and chili pepper to taste.2 slices Bacon, 1 clove Garlic, Chili pepper
- Cook Bacon and Garlic: Cook the bacon and garlic mixture until the bacon fat starts to melt and the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Peas: Stir in frozen peas. For smoother cooking, add 1-2 tablespoons of the pasta water to help soften the peas and form the sauce.½ cup Frozen Green Peas
- Combine with Pasta: Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Add Cheese and Pepper: Turn off the heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and a bit of freshly ground black pepper.1 tablespoon Parmesan
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately while it's hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Pasta Water Tip: Save a cup of pasta water before draining. Adding a little back into the dish can help create a silky, well-emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Bacon Alternatives: If bacon isn’t available, pancetta or even sausage can be used as a substitute. They will add a similar savory depth to the dish.
- Cheese Options: While Parmesan is recommended, other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Garlic Adjustments: If you’re sensitive to garlic, you can reduce the amount or use garlic-infused oil for a subtler flavor.
- Pea Varieties: While green peas are standard, you can experiment with other varieties like snap peas or snow peas for a crunchier texture.
- Herb Additions: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish. Add them at the end to preserve their flavor.
- Lemon Zest for Freshness: A bit of lemon zest stirred in at the end can brighten up the flavors, especially if you’re using rich ingredients like cream or cheese.
Nutrition
Your Turn
I’d love to hear how your single-serving pasta with peas and bacon turned out! If you enjoyed the recipe, please take a moment to rate it and leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable, not just to us but to fellow readers as well.
And if you put your own twist on this recipe, don’t hesitate to share your creative variations in the comments. Your unique ideas might just be the inspiration someone else needs for their next meal!
