There is something incredibly comforting about a meal that comes together effortlessly yet delivers big on flavor. This One Pot Pea and Bacon Pasta Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—rich, creamy, and full of savory goodness, all while keeping things simple and quick. The tender pasta shells soak up the luscious sauce made from chicken broth and milk, dotted with sweet peas and smoky bacon, making every bite a delightful surprise. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that excites or a fuss-free dish to impress friends, this recipe is a total winner that will have you reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To master the One Pot Pea and Bacon Pasta Recipe, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each element adds its own special touch—from the crispy bacon that adds warmth and saltiness, to the creamy ricotta that gives the sauce a silky finish.
- 4 ounces thin-cut bacon: Provides smoky, crispy bits that elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened in the bacon fat.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a subtle aromatic punch that complements bacon perfectly.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Builds the broth base that cooks the pasta and carries the sauce.
- 1 ¼ cups milk (whole milk preferred): Makes the sauce creamy and rich without heaviness.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and delicate sweetness to balance bacon’s savoriness.
- 1 (12-oz) box mini pasta shells (uncooked): Their shape holds the creamy sauce in every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper (to taste): Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- ½ cup ricotta cheese: Creates a luscious, velvety texture—perfect for a delicate finish.
- 1 ½ ounces grated parmesan cheese: Brings sharpness and nuttiness that rounds out the dish.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): Adds a fresh herbal note and gorgeous color contrast.
How to Make One Pot Pea and Bacon Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by heating a large, deep sauté pan or wide pot over medium-high heat and cook the thin-cut bacon until it’s browned and irresistibly crispy. This sizzling step releases irresistible bacon fat that will flavor every ingredient that follows. Once done, scoop the bacon out and let it rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. You can keep as much bacon fat in the pan as you like—it forms the delicious base for your sauce.
Step 2: Soften the Onion and Garlic
Next, toss the chopped onion and minced garlic into the pan with the bacon fat. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft and has turned a lovely golden brown. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and infuses your dish with a tasty foundation.
Step 3: Deglaze with Chicken Broth
Pour in one cup of chicken broth, using your spoon to scrape up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This is where a ton of savory goodness hides! Then add another cup of broth to keep that rich flavor going strong.
Step 4: Add Dairy, Pasta, and Peas
Pour in the milk along with the frozen peas, uncooked pasta shells, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix up all the ingredients evenly. Bring it all to a boil, then lower the heat so it simmers gently. Let the pasta cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding the last cup of broth as needed. This helps the pasta cook perfectly while the sauce thickens into a creamy, luscious coating.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Bacon
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the creamy ricotta cheese and grated parmesan until everything melts into a velvety texture. Finally, crumble the crispy bacon back into the pot, mix gently, and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if you’re using it. Serve this comforting dish immediately and watch it disappear.
How to Serve One Pot Pea and Bacon Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a go-to garnish, giving a pop of vibrant green color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that balances the rich flavors. For a little extra zing, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a light dusting of more parmesan turns this dish into a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides to keep the meal balanced. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. If you want something heartier, crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia rounds out the meal with extra texture and satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz things up for guests, try serving this pasta in individual mini casserole dishes or shallow bowls topped with a parmesan crisp. You could also offer a small bowl of extra ricotta or parmesan on the side for guests to customize their servings. Adding a lemon wedge for a bright squeeze of acidity can add a surprising twist that negates any heaviness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover One Pot Pea and Bacon Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, but the sauce may thicken, so a little splash of milk or broth before reheating will help bring it back to that creamy perfection.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate texture of the pasta and creaminess of the sauce. Freezing is not recommended as the sauce might separate and the pasta can become mushy upon thawing. If you must freeze, store in small portions and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently with added liquid.
Reheating
When reheating, use a low heat setting on the stove to warm the pasta slowly, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and revive the creamy texture. Avoid using a microwave at full power, as this can dry the pasta unevenly and toughen the bacon bits.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While mini pasta shells work wonderfully to hold the sauce, you can substitute with small shapes like rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the milk and cheese?
For a dairy-free version, try using unsweetened almond or oat milk and substitute the ricotta with a plant-based cheese or a creamy nut-based spread. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily make a vegetarian version by skipping the bacon and using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add that smoky flavor. Increase the amount of garlic and onion to boost savory notes, or add sautéed mushrooms for umami.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
If ricotta isn’t on hand, cream cheese or mascarpone can be good substitutes to add creaminess. Even a dollop of sour cream can work in a pinch, but add it off heat to prevent curdling.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking in the pot?
Keep stirring occasionally as the pasta cooks, and be sure to add the broth gradually to keep enough liquid circulating. The milk helps keep the sauce smooth, but patience and stirring are key to avoiding clumps.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Pea and Bacon Pasta Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for company. Its creamy texture, balanced by fresh peas and crispy bacon, keeps everyone coming back for more. I can’t recommend it enough; once you try it, this will become one of those go-to favorites in your recipe box.
Print
One Pot Pea and Bacon Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Pea and Bacon Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish combining crispy bacon, tender peas, and mini pasta shells cooked together in a rich broth and milk sauce. Ready in just about 20 minutes, it’s a flavorful weeknight meal that minimizes cleanup with everything cooked in one pan.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 4 ounces thin-cut bacon
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ ounces grated parmesan cheese
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
Vegetables and Aromatics
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Pantry
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (12-oz) box mini pasta shells, uncooked
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large deep sauté pan or wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the thin-cut bacon strips and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave your preferred amount of bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In the same pan with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the onion is fully softened and lightly browned, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour 1 cup of the chicken broth into the pan, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift any browned bits. Then add an additional 1 cup of broth and stir to combine.
- Add remaining ingredients and cook pasta: Stir in the whole milk, frozen peas, uncooked mini pasta shells, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened. Add the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth gradually as needed to ensure the pasta cooks through and the sauce remains creamy.
- Finish the dish: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese and grated parmesan until well combined and creamy. Crumble the cooked bacon and fold it into the pasta along with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Whole milk is recommended for a creamier sauce, but you can substitute with 2% or a lactose-free milk if preferred.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cream cheese or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Stir frequently while cooking the pasta to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
