This is one of the most requested meals in my house. This is what they beg for. Last night I made it with whole-wheat pasta, but you can use anything. I used chiocciole shaped pasta, it means snail in Italian, but now that I see it in pictures it looks like little slugs to me. I like how the peas hide inside the pasta.
This is super quick, easy and flexible. This isn’t a real recipe, just a combination of ingredients that makes for a speedy weeknight supper. Adjust the amounts for how many people you intend to serve. I make quite a bit since my boys like it cold in their lunches the next day.
8-10 oz (250g) pasta, your favorite shape
3 slices of bacon (substituting prosciutto or parma ham works well too)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 shallot, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
salt and pepper
1/2 cup frozen peas (couple handfuls) (run under lukewarm water to lightly defrost)
feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
In a large pot bring plenty of water to boil. Salt the water well and add the pasta. Cook according to the package directions. Cook al dente, if it is overcooked the pasta will be waterlogged, mushy and fall apart.
Meanwhile, chop the bacon and begin to cook in a pan over med heat. While the bacon fat is rendering, prepare the remaining ingredients. When the bacon is beginning to crisp add the garlic and shallot. Stir, cooking until fragrant. Add the wine, reduce a few minutes, if too dry add more wine or a little pasta water.
Drain the pasta and return to the pot, save a little of the pasta water. Shake a little, the heat of the pan will help to evaporate a little more of the moisture. Toss the peas into the bacon sauce. Taste, season if needed. Tip the sauce onto the pasta and stir well. If it seems to dry add a little pasta water at a time, the starch in it will help to add some body to the sauce.
Add the feta and serve.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
that’s looks great. i love pasta salada and hubby does NOT. going to keep trying recipes until i find one he eats. this one has bacon, and feta, could be a winner!
everything is better with bacon! I usually serve it as a hot pasta dish, then as a salad the next day. Hope he likes it.
Try Al Dente (the brand!) Pasta with this recipe. Their whole wheat pasta is the best. cooks in just 3 minutes and has a much more wonderful texture than any other pasta. Available at many Whole Foods Stores and others or on their website at http://www.aldentepasta.com
thanks Monique for the idea! I have never tried that one. There are not any Whole Foods within 200 miles, but those of you who live close to one, give it a try and let me know how it goes. I used bionaturae brand and I was great, not heavy at all.