Description
Pasta e Piselli with smoked turkey bacon and fresh peas is a comforting Italian dish that combines smoky, savory flavors with sweet, vibrant peas and tender short pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and wholesome recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a bright, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup short pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the smoked turkey bacon into small bite-size pieces. If using fresh peas, shell them; if using frozen, have them ready to toss in later.
- Sauté Flavor Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the turkey bacon pieces and cook until they start to crisp.
- Cook Pasta and Peas Together: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally. Halfway through the pasta’s cooking time, stir in the peas so they cook alongside the pasta, absorbing all the flavors.
- Season it Up: When the pasta is al dente and the broth has mostly absorbed, stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar. Mix well, taste, and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving warm. This adds a fresh herbal note and lovely color contrast.
Notes
- Use fresh peas if possible for sweeter, more vibrant flavor.
- Reserve some pasta cooking liquid to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Cook pasta to al dente for best texture.
- Thin the dish with extra vegetable broth or reserved pasta water if it becomes too thick.
- Do not skip the apple cider vinegar to brighten and enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Pasta e Piselli, smoked turkey bacon, peas, Italian pasta dish, quick dinner, simple ingredients, weeknight meal
