This quick and delicious Jamie Oliver Bacon and Pea Pasta is the perfect midweek meal. With crispy bacon, sweet peas, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s comforting and easy to make. A hint of fresh mint and a squeeze of lemon add a vibrant twist. Use simple pantry staples for a meal that’s ready in no time!
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Bacon And Pea Pasta Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to follow and can be made in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of smoky bacon, fresh mint, and tangy lemon creates a flavorful and satisfying dish.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy pasta with peas and bacon, making it a hit for the whole family.
🥩 Jamie Oliver Bacon And Pea Pasta Ingredients
- 6 slices of smoked streaky bacon or pancetta
- 1 small bunch of fresh mint (about 1/4 cup, chopped)
- 100 g (1 cup) of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 organic chicken stock cube (optional)
- 400 g (14 oz) of dried mini shell pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 300 g (2 cups) of frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons of half-fat crème fraîche
- 1 lemon
🍲 How To Make Jamie Oliver Bacon And Pea Pasta
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely slice the bacon. Pick the mint leaves and chop them finely. Grate the Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chicken stock cube if you are using it and stir until it dissolves. Add the mini shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the sliced bacon to the pan, sprinkle a little pepper, and fry until the bacon is golden and crisp.
- Add Peas and Crème Fraîche: Add the frozen peas to the pan with the bacon and shake the pan to mix. After a minute, add the crème fraîche and chopped mint. Stir well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta, saving some of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the frying pan with the bacon, peas, and sauce. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the pasta.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and bubbling nicely. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out. Add the grated Parmesan and stir to combine.
- Serve: Divide the pasta into plates or bowls. Serve hot with a simply dressed green salad on the side.
💭 Recipe Tips:
- Choose Good Bacon: Use good-quality smoked bacon or pancetta. It makes the pasta taste much better.
- Use Fresh Mint: Always use fresh mint leaves and chop them finely. This makes the pasta taste fresh and bright.
- Keep Some Pasta Water: Save a little of the water from cooking the pasta. You can use it to make the sauce just right.
- Add Lemon Slowly: Be careful with the lemon juice. Start with a little, then add more if needed, so it doesn’t taste too strong.
- Serve Hot: Serve the pasta as soon as it’s done. This way, the sauce stays creamy and the pasta tastes the best.
🥖 What To Serve With Bacon And Pea Pasta?
This creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta pairs well with a green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a light soup. It also can be served alongside a fruit salad, steamed broccoli, a simple bruschetta, or a tomato salad.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Bacon And Pea Pasta?
- Refrigerate: Place the pasta in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Put the pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftovers Bacon And Pea Pasta?
- In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until hot.
- In The Microwave: Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- On The Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat, add the pasta with a splash of water or olive oil, and stir until heated through.
FAQ’S
Can I Use Fresh Peas Instead Of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas. Just make sure to cook them until they are tender.
What Can I Use Instead Of Crème Fraîche?
You can use sour cream or plain Greek yogurt as substitutes for crème fraîche.
How Do I Prevent The Pasta From Sticking Together?
Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks and rinse it with cold water after draining if not using immediately.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta?
Yes, you can use any small pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
What Can I Do If The Sauce Is Too Thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out.
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Jamie Oliver Bacon And Pea Pasta Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 674
- Fat: 20.3g
- Saturates: 9.3g
- Sugars: 5.3g
- Protein: 33.5g
- Carbs: 85.9g