This delicious angel hair pasta dish is perfect to serve your company but simple and easy enough for busy weeknight meals.
8 oz. angel hair pasta
1/2 c. reserved pasta water
6 strips thick cut bacon, about 1/2 lb., cut into 1/2 inch wide strips
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 c. heavy cream
3/4 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper
1 c. frozen peas
1/4 c. fresh Italian parsley, chopped small
2 oz. shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese
Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. While the water is heating, cut the bacon.
Cook the pasta, until it's tender but still a bit firm, about 12 minutes. Set aside 1/2 c. pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, warm a large deep-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the bacon; cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, until done. Transfer the bacon to a platter. Drain the grease, leaving about 1 T. grease in the skillet.
Place the skillet back over medium heat; add the garlic; cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Carefully pour the reserved pasta water into the hot skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up the brown bits and deglaze the pan.
Add the cream, salt, and pepper to the skillet; astir. Reduce heat to medium; simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened slightly. Add the peas; stir until warm.
If the pasta hasn’t finished cooking, move the sauce off of the heat until the pasta finishes.
Add the pasta to the skillet with the sauce; stir to coat. Add the bacon and parsley; stir. Season to taste, if needed.
Serve, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
4 servings.