How do I make creamy farfalle pasta with peas and bacon?

To make creamy farfalle with peas and bacon, start by cooking 8 ounces of farfalle pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain. In a skillet, cook 6 ounces of diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and sauté 1 cup of frozen peas in the bacon fat for 2-3 minutes. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Return the bacon to the pan, add the cooked pasta, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Can I use a substitute for heavy cream in creamy farfalle with peas and bacon?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to help thicken the sauce. Greek yogurt or cream cheese can also add creaminess but might alter the flavor slightly. For a lighter option, use milk with a little cornstarch to thicken. Make sure to add these substitutes gradually and heat gently to avoid curdling.

What is the best way to prevent bacon from getting soggy in this recipe?

To keep bacon crispy in creamy farfalle with peas and bacon, cook the bacon separately in a pan until crisp, then drain on paper towels before adding it back to the pasta. Avoid adding the bacon too early into the creamy sauce so it doesn’t get softened. Toss the pasta and sauce first, then sprinkle bacon on top just before serving or fold it in gently at the last moment.

Can I prepare creamy farfalle with peas and bacon in advance?

You can prepare components of the dish in advance, like cooking the pasta and bacon separately, but it’s best to combine them just before serving. Store the cooked pasta and bacon separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce gently while adding the pasta and peas, then stir in bacon last to maintain crispness and freshness.

How many calories are in a serving of creamy farfalle with peas and bacon?

A typical serving of creamy farfalle with peas and bacon contains approximately 450-550 calories. This varies based on portion size and ingredient amounts—heavy cream and bacon contribute most of the calories. Using lighter dairy options or reducing bacon quantity can lower the calorie count. For more precise calculations, consider inputting your specific ingredient amounts into a nutrition calculator.

Creamy Farfalle With Peas And Bacon Recipe To Try Today

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces dried farfalle (bow-tie pasta) Holds the creamy sauce perfectly

6 ounces lean bacon Adds smoky depth and protein

1 cup green peas Brings sweetness and nutrition

1 1/4 cups heavy cream Creates the rich, smooth base

2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese Boosts flavor and helps thicken

1 large garlic clove

1/4 cup fresh parsley

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Instructions

1-Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2-In a large skillet over high heat, sauté the bacon until browned (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and use a paper towel to soak up most of the fat.

3-Return the skillet with the bacon to high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.

4-Add the heavy cream to the skillet and simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the peas and return to a simmer. Cook for about 3 more minutes.

5-Stir the parmesan cheese into the sauce.

6-Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the sauce over the pasta and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

🥓 Use lean bacon to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor.
🧻 Soak up excess bacon fat with a paper towel for a lighter sauce.
🌿 Substitute parsley with thyme for a different herbal note.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Contains Pork

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 540
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 85mg