Pancetta and Pasta With Peas

Pancetta and Pasta with Peas

Crispy pancetta and sweet peas gives this simple dish a boost of flavor, while the lettuce adds a bit of crunch the whole family will enjoy. This is a quick and easy dish that has an unexpected but delicious flavor. 

Fresh ingredients for garlic herb butter pasta including garlic, herbs, lemon, pancetta, and pasta on a cutting board

Pancetta and Pasta With Peas

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Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 211 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Kosher salt to taste
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • ½ cup pancetta cut into lardons
  • 1 tbsp grapeseed oil
  • 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 red Fresno chili pepper thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • ½ cup frozen green peas
  • 1 bunch fresh chives roughly chopped
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley roughly chopped
  • 1 bunch fresh basil roughly chopped
  • 4 tbsp vegetable stock
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
  • Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for garnish
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions
 

  • Place a large pot of water over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Generously salt the water and add the spaghetti. Stir well to prevent sticking and boil until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat pancetta and grapeseed oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the pancetta begins to caramelize, about 3 minutes.
  • Add sliced garlic and Fresno chili to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt completely into the pancetta mixture.
  • Add frozen peas and cook until they begin to soften. Stir in the chives, parsley, basil, and vegetable stock.
  • Season the sauce lightly with kosher salt. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt fully.
  • Pour in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water. Stir well to bring the sauce together.
  • Gradually add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing between additions to evenly coat the noodles with the sauce.
  • Serve immediately, topped with crushed red pepper flakes and plenty of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Fresno chili or add extra red pepper flakes.
  • Pancetta can be swapped with bacon or omitted for a vegetarian version.
  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this into a protein-packed entrée.

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 176mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 508IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.2mg
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