Simple Pancetta Pasta with Peas and Parmesan
Simple pancetta pasta and peas, tossed in a simple garlic and olive oil sauce and finished with Parmesan cheese. So good!

- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 20 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1/2 lb thin spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- Salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 4- oz cubed pancetta, (cut into small bits (you can use bacon if you need to))
- 2 shallots, (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups peas, (thawed if frozen)
- 8 large garlic cloves, (minced)
- Black pepper
- 2 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes, (divided)
- 2 cups packed chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lemon, (zested and juiced)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, (1/2 cup or more to your liking)
Instructions
- 1
Cook the pasta to al dante in plenty of salted boiling water, consult package for instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water aside, then drain pasta (some of the starchy pasta water will serve as sauce later)
- 2
Meanwhile, heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta (or bacon) and cook, tossing regularly, until fully cooked and browned. Remove pancetta onto a plate lined with paper towel to drain. Carefully dispose of most of the pancetta fat leaving just a hint (about 2 tsp) for flavoring.
- 3
Set stove top to medium heat and return skillet to heat. To the little bit of pancetta fat, add 4 tbsp Private Reserve extra virgin olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, then add shallots, peas, salt, black pepper, and 1 tsp aleppo pepper. Raise heat to medium-high and cook for 5 minutes, tossing regularly. Add garlic and parsley and cook for another 3 mins, or until peas are fully cooked through.
- 4
Now return cooked pancetta to skillet. Add cooked pasta and 3/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Add the remaining 1 tsp aleppo pepper, lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss to combine.
- 5
Add grated Parmesan cheese (you might stat with 3 to 4 tbsp and adjust as needed.) Test and adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) to your liking.
- 6
Transfer pasta to serving bowls and enjoy!