This creamy penne pasta with pancetta and peas is a quick, weeknight-friendly dish made with penne pasta tossed in a silky Parmesan cream sauce with sweet peas, crispy pancetta, and a hint of fresh mint. If you love simple Italian-inspired pasta dishes with big flavor and minimal fuss, this one is a keeper.
The Short & Sweet
- The Concept: A quick and comforting pasta with pancetta and peas tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce with garlic and a hint of mint for brightness.
- Why It’s Worth Making: Salty, crispy pancetta and sweet peas are a classic pairing, and the silky Parmesan cream sauce ties everything together. It feels a little elevated but comes together in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Best For: Weeknight dinners, cozy pasta nights, or a simple dish for entertaining.
- Prep Ahead? Not particularly — this pasta is best enjoyed fresh while the sauce is creamy and silky. If needed, leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Before You Start:
- There’s no need to thaw the peas! They thaw quickly.
- Short pastas work great here, but you can use any you’d like.
- Reserve a little pasta water for an extra silky texture and to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
Some pasta recipes feel like weekend projects; others are the kind you can pull together quickly but still feel proud to serve.
This Creamy Penne Pasta with Pancetta and Peas falls squarely into that second category.
Salty, crispy pancetta brings depth of flavor, sweet green peas add a pop of freshness, and everything gets tossed in a light Parmesan cream sauce that clings beautifully to penne pasta. A little garlic builds the base of the sauce, and a small amount of mint brightens the dish in a subtle but lovely way.
It’s the kind of simple, comforting pasta that works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for a relaxed dinner with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Penne pasta. Penne works especially well here because the ridges help capture the creamy sauce, but any short pasta shape such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work nicely.
- Pancetta. Diced pancetta adds savory richness and a slightly salty bite. When cooked until crisp, it also gives the finished pasta a lovely bit of texture.
- Garlic. A couple of cloves of finely minced garlic build a simple but flavorful base for the sauce.
- Flour. Just a small amount of flour helps create a quick roux that thickens the cream sauce so it coats the pasta beautifully.
- Half & half. This keeps the sauce creamy and smooth without making it overly heavy.
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth. Adds extra flavor and helps balance the richness of the cream.
- Parmesan cheese. Freshly shredded Parmesan melts into the sauce to create a silky, savory finish.
- Frozen peas. Sweet green peas add color and freshness, and frozen peas are convenient because they thaw quickly in the hot sauce. Canned or fresh peas would work as well!
- Mint (fresh or dried). A small amount of mint brightens the dish and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the peas.
Kitchen Tips for the Best Pasta
- Cook the pancetta until crisp. This adds both flavor and texture to the finished dish.
- Whisk the liquids in slowly. Adding the half & half gradually while whisking prevents lumps in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan if possible. It melts more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
- If the sauce gets too thick… Add a splash of pasta cooking water or broth to loosen it.
Serve it In Style
For a relaxed dinner with friends, transfer the pasta to a large shallow serving bowl or platter so the creamy sauce and pops of green peas are visible — it instantly makes the dish feel a little more special than serving straight from the pot.
Just before bringing it to the table, finish the pasta with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan (this handy little grater box makes for a pretty way to bring extra cheese to the table) and a few pieces of reserved crispy pancetta for texture. A light scatter of fresh mint leaves or chopped herbs adds a bright pop of color that pairs beautifully with the peas.
If you’d like to add an extra touch of polish, have a pepper mill at the table so guests can finish their bowls to taste.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth, cream, or milk to loosen the sauce.
In Case You Were Wondering
Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?
Yes. Bacon works well, though pancetta has a slightly milder flavor.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely. If using fresh peas, blanch them briefly in the pasta water before adding them to the sauce.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Penne works especially well, but rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle are also great options.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Cream-based pasta is best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently with a little extra liquid.
What to Serve With This Dish
This pasta is satisfying on its own but pairs nicely with simple sides such as:
- A crisp green salad with lemon or Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Simple roasted Balsamic Glazed Asparagus or Lemon Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Garlic bread, a crusty baguette or even Garlic Crostini
- A glass of chilled white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Creamy Penne Pasta with Pancetta & Peas
