Spaghetti With Bacon And Peas
A comforting pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sweet peas, and creamy ricotta cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that combines savory flavors with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.
- Place the cooked bacon on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- In the same skillet, add the reserved bacon grease and cook the chopped onion until tender and golden, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the boiling water with the pasta.
- Drain the cooked pasta and peas, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
- Return the pasta and peas to the pot, then add the Romano cheese, salt, pepper, cooked bacon, and cooked onion.
- Thin the ricotta cheese with some of the reserved cooking water until smooth, then add it to the pasta mixture.
- Keep the heat on low and stir thoroughly until the dish is heated through.
- Serve hot, accompanied by a green salad and French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using pancetta instead of bacon. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute half of the ricotta with Greek yogurt. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. For a twist, consider incorporating some garlic or fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This dish can also be made with whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti dish hot, garnished with extra Romano cheese and fresh cracked pepper. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and crusty French bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Italian Stuffed Meat Loaf (Braciuola) or a light vegetable medley for added color and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking, and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Bacon And Peas contains roughly 633 calories, with 25g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2299mg per serving (100% 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 fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas! Just blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes before adding them to the spaghetti. This will ensure they stay bright and tender without becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for Romano cheese?
If Romano cheese is unavailable, you can substitute it with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese. Both will give you a similar salty and tangy flavor that complements the dish well.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This spaghetti with bacon and peas can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just follow the storage tips to keep it fresh, and it reheats well, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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).