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Penne with Bacon, Peas, and Ricotta

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Penne with Bacon, Peas, and Ricotta

Prepare to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy feast that will have your family begging for seconds! This irresistible Penne with Bacon, Peas, and Ricotta is the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy bacon, sweet peas, and luxuriously creamy ricotta in one mouthwatering dish. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a gourmet meal that looks like it took hours to prepare, proving that impressive cooking doesn't have to be complicated.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 12 oz penne pasta
  2. 4 oz bacon, chopped
  3. 1 cup frozen peas
  4. 1 cup ricotta cheese
  5. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
  2. While pasta is cooking, place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. When bacon is crisp, add frozen peas directly to the skillet with bacon. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing peas to heat through and absorb some bacon flavor.
  4. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the penne. Drain pasta in a colander, shaking to remove excess water.
  5. Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with bacon and peas. Toss to combine and coat the pasta with bacon drippings.
  6. Reduce heat to low and add ricotta cheese, stirring gently to create a creamy sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
  7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and mix well. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and fresh flavor.
  9. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion has a good mix of bacon, peas, and creamy ricotta sauce.

Tips

  1. Always reserve pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating silky, clingy sauces that coat every pasta piece perfectly.
  2. Cook bacon slowly to render maximum flavor and achieve that perfect crispy texture. Medium heat is your friend here.
  3. For extra richness, use full-fat ricotta cheese. It melts more smoothly and creates a more luxurious sauce.
  4. Don't overcook the peas - they should be bright green and just heated through to maintain their sweet flavor and nutrients.
  5. Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the bacon and cheese.
  6. For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon or pancetta instead of traditional bacon.
  7. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature of this delightful pasta dish.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 600kcal

Carbohydrates: 70g

Protein: 34g

Fat: 21g

Saturated Fat: g

Cholesterol: 70mg

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