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Classic comfort food meets refined technique in this creamy penne dish. The tender pasta, silky sauce, sweet green peas and crispy bacon create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that elevates simple pantry ingredients into a memorable meal.
This recipe comes from years of professional kitchen experience, where I learned that taking time to properly render the bacon creates an incredible flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Key Ingredients
- Penne: High-quality bronze-die pasta provides the ideal texture
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Provides better flavor and meatier texture
- Sweet Peas: Fresh or frozen work well; avoid canned
- Yellow Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth
- Heavy Cream: Creates the silkiest sauce texture
- Pasta Water: Essential for proper sauce consistency
- Parmesan: Aged Parmigiano Reggiano recommended
Step-by-Step Method
- Prepare the Bacon (10-12 minutes):
- Cut into small pieces and cook slowly until crispy. Reserve the rendered fat.
- Cook the Aromatics (8-10 minutes):
- Sauté diced onion in bacon fat until soft and translucent.
- Cook Pasta (10-12 minutes):
- Boil penne in well-salted water. Add peas during final 3 minutes. Reserve pasta water before draining.
- Make the Sauce (5-7 minutes):
- Simmer cream with onions until slightly thickened. Add pasta water to achieve proper consistency.
- Combine Components (3-5 minutes):
- Toss pasta and peas with sauce, fold in bacon, adjust seasoning and consistency.
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Heat Management
Proper temperature control prevents the cream sauce from breaking. Lower heat before adding cream, then maintain gentle simmer for optimal texture.
Pasta Selection
While penne is traditional, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or orecchiette work well. Choose shapes that capture the sauce and complement the peas.
Seasonal Adaptations
Fresh English peas shine in spring versions. Summer variations can include cherry tomatoes, while winter versions benefit from a touch of nutmeg in the sauce.
Kitchen Wisdom
* Skip pasta rinsing to maintain starch coating
* Semi-frozen bacon cuts cleanly
* Room temperature cream blends smoothly
* Finish with quality olive oil if desired
This recipe exemplifies the beauty of Italian cuisine - transforming quality ingredients through proper technique into an exceptional dish that works for any occasion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why should you drop the peas in halfway when cooking penne?
- It gives the peas enough time to cook perfectly without getting too soft. Plus, it saves washing an extra pot!
- → Why leave the pasta slightly undercooked before mixing it?
- This keeps the pasta chewy and firm, as it'll soften more when blended with the hot cream sauce.
- → Can I prep this meal in advance?
- This pasta is best enjoyed fresh. It can overcook and go a bit soggy if left sitting too long.
- → How do I know if more cream is needed?
- Check if the pasta looks too dry after mixing everything together. Add a splash or two if needed, so the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
- → Why chop onions into small, even pieces?
- Smaller pieces mix well with the bacon and cook evenly while adding flavor without overpowering each bite.