Creamy Garlic Bacon Penne with Sweet Peas
Indulge in a quick and satisfying pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon and creamy garlic herb cheese. This delightful recipe, ready in just 15 minutes, features perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a luscious sauce made from cream cheese and low-fat whipping cream, accented with sweet peas for a touch of sweetness and color. Ideal for busy weeknights or a spontaneous gathering, this dish will impress your family and friends alike. Inspired by the British culinary show, Saturday Cooks, it's a must-try for any pasta lover!
4
Servings
450
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
5 ounces (Crisp and chop into small pieces.)
Cream cheese with garlic and herbs
4 ounces (Softened (recommended: Boursin).)
Low-fat whipping cream
5 fluid ounces (None.)
Canned sweet peas
4 ounces (Drained and rinsed.)
Uncooked pasta (penne)
12 ounces (None.)
Garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon (None.)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly cracked is best.)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
2. While the pasta cooks, grill the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's crispy. Once done, remove it from the skillet, let it cool slightly, and chop into small, bite-sized pieces.
3
3. In a separate small saucepan, combine the garlic herb cream cheese and low-fat whipping cream over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4
4. Season the cream mixture with garlic salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences. Make sure it's well incorporated.
5
5. Add the chopped bacon and drained sweet peas to the cream sauce. Stir continuously on low heat until the peas are warmed through. Allow to thicken for about 2 minutes.
6
6. Once the pasta is drained, add it to the saucepan and mix thoroughly with the sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
7
7. Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra black pepper if desired.
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
40g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garlic Bacon Penne with Sweet Peas?
It is a quick 15-minute European pasta dish featuring penne, crispy bacon, garlic herb cream cheese, and sweet peas.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire recipe can be prepared and served in just 15 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is made from garlic and herb cream cheese (like Boursin), low-fat whipping cream, garlic salt, and black pepper.
How many calories are in one serving of this pasta?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe specifies using 12 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 5 ounces of bacon for this dish.
How do I prepare the bacon for this recipe?
Grill the bacon until it is crispy, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces.
What kind of cream cheese is recommended?
A cream cheese with garlic and herbs is recommended, specifically mentioning Boursin as a preferred brand.
Can I use fresh peas instead of canned?
While the recipe calls for 4 ounces of canned sweet peas, you can substitute with fresh or frozen peas if they are cooked until tender.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 24 grams of fat in each serving.
How much protein does this dish contain?
Each serving provides 11 grams of protein.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this recipe?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I cook the penne pasta?
Cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente.
How do I combine the cream cheese and whipping cream?
Combine them in a small saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth.
When do I add the bacon and peas to the sauce?
Add the chopped bacon and drained peas after the cream and cheese mixture has been seasoned and stirred smooth.
How long should the sauce simmer before adding pasta?
After adding the bacon and peas, allow the sauce to thicken on low heat for about 2 minutes.
What seasoning is suggested for this recipe?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish should be served hot immediately after mixing the pasta with the sauce.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This dish was inspired by the British culinary show, Saturday Cooks.
Can I use regular whipping cream instead of low-fat?
Yes, you can use regular whipping cream, though it will increase the fat and calorie content.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 15-minute recipe and a quick meal, ideal for busy weeknights.
What category of cuisine does this belong to?
It belongs to the European cuisine category.
How should the peas be prepared before adding them?
The canned sweet peas should be drained and rinsed before being added to the sauce.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with extra freshly cracked black pepper.
Does the recipe contain any fiber?
The provided data does not specify the fiber content for this recipe.
Is garlic salt necessary if I use garlic herb cheese?
The recipe includes garlic salt to further enhance the flavor, but you can adjust it to your taste preferences.
What is the serving size for this dish?
While a specific weight isn't given, the recipe is divided into 4 equal portions.
Can I use a different pasta shape like fusilli?
Yes, other short pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle would work well with this creamy sauce.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, one of the tags for this recipe is 'comfort food'.