Pasta Con Piselli
A hearty Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sweet onions, and green peas, topped with Parmesan cheese—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, fry bacon over medium heat until almost crisp.
- Cut bacon into 2-inch pieces.
- Add chopped onion to the bacon and grease; cook until onion is tender.
- Pour off about one-third of the grease.
- Mix in green peas with juice.
- Pour the bacon mixture into a large pot of cooked and drained ditalini pasta.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with tossed garden salad and crispy garlic bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use high-quality bacon and ensure it is crispy before adding the onion. If you don't have ditalini pasta, any small pasta shape will work, such as elbow macaroni or orzo. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish with a bit of heat. For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a tossed garden salad and crispy garlic bread for a complete meal. For a twist, serve alongside Italian Pepper Bread for added texture and flavor. A glass of white wine can enhance the dining experience, making it a perfect pasta supper.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Con Piselli contains roughly 340 calories, with 13g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1282mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen peas in this recipe. Just add them to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they are heated through but still vibrant in color. This can also add a fresher taste to the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Pasta Con Piselli gluten-free, simply substitute ditalini pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative. There are many great options available that will cook similarly, allowing you to enjoy this delicious recipe without gluten.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
To make Pasta Con Piselli more filling, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms. These additions not only enhance the protein content but also add delicious flavors that complement the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).