Creamy Barilotti with Bacon and Peas

This Creamy Barilotti with Bacon and Peas is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but is shockingly easy to make! It’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor, with crispy bacon, sweet peas, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce that comes together in just 20 minutes.

Why We Love This Creamy Barilotti Pasta with Bacon & Peas

There’s something incredibly comforting about creamy pasta—especially when it’s balanced by smoky bacon and bright, tender peas. The ridged barilotti here catches every bit of sauce, making each bite packed with flavor and texture!

We also love that this creamy barilotti pasta dish feels both simple and a little special. It’s fast enough for a weeknight, but elegant enough to serve at a casual dinner party or date night in!

Ingredients You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy creamy barilotti pasta recipe:

• Barilotti Pasta: A short, ridged pasta that’s perfect for holding creamy sauces. If you can’t find barilotti, use casarecce, rigatoni, or penne.
• Bacon: Adds richness, salt, and crispy texture!
• Onion: A small yellow or white onion works best to add a sweet flavor and delicious aroma.
• Frozen Peas: For a pop of color and natural sweetness. No need to thaw—just stir them right into the pan!
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce silky and rich. Use full-fat cream for the best texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best results and smoother melting!
• Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste!

How to Make Creamy Barilotti with Bacon and Peas

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the barilotti pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon from the pan.
3. Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add Peas: Stir in the peas and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until heated through.

5. Add Liquids & Season: Pour in the reserved pasta water and simmer for a few minutes. Add heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for about a minute and sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring back the bacon into the pan.
6. Add Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated and creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Serve topped with extra Parmesan and crispy bacon bits!

Tips for Success

• Don’t forget to save some of the pasta water! The starchy water helps emulsify the cream and cheese, creating a luscious, clingy sauce. Add it before the cream so everything blends smoothly.
• Cook bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon after it crisps to keep it from getting soggy. Add it back at the end so it stays crunchy and adds texture.
• Don’t overcook the peas! Add peas toward the end so they stay bright and slightly firm. Just 1–2 minutes is all they need to heat through.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy barilotti pasta is perfect on its own as a creamy, satisfying dinner! Pair it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. For a little heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or top with fresh herbs like basil or chives for color.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Recipes to Try

• Pasta with Garlic Butter
• Gnocchi Au Poivre
• Creamy Pancetta Cauliflower Pasta
• Creamy Pesto Pastina with Gorgonzola
• Chicken Orzo Yogurt Soup

Creamy Barilotti with Bacon and Peas Recipe

This Creamy Barilotti with Bacon and Peas is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but is shockingly easy to make! It’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor, with crispy bacon, sweet green peas, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce that comes together in just 20 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 12 oz barilotti pasta
• 6 oz bacon diced
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the barilotti pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon from the pan.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Stir in the peas and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until heated through.
5. Pour in the reserved pasta water and simmer for a few minutes. Add heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for about a minute and sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring back the bacon into the pan.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated and creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve topped with extra Parmesan and crispy bacon bits!

Notes

Store any leftover creamy barilotti pasta 2–3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce!

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Let us know how it was!