Best 3 Creamy Shells With Peas And Bacon Recipes

Indulge in a culinary symphony of creamy shells, tender peas, and smoky bacon, harmoniously combined in a luscious sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. This delectable dish, presented in three exquisite variations, offers a symphony of flavors that cater to diverse preferences.

The Classic Creamy Shells with Peas and Bacon recipe embodies the essence of comfort food, featuring a velvety sauce that lovingly embraces each shell, while the vibrant peas and crispy bacon add pops of color and texture. For those seeking a richer experience, the Creamy Pesto Shells with Peas and Bacon introduce a vibrant burst of basil pesto, infusing the dish with an aromatic complexity that will captivate your senses.

For a touch of elegance and sophistication, the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shells with Peas and Bacon elevate the dish to new heights. Sun-dried tomatoes, with their concentrated sweetness and tang, lend a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce, while a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, umami finish that will leave you craving for more.

These three culinary creations, each with its distinct character, promise an unforgettable dining experience that will satisfy any palate. Gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you utterly delighted.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CREAMY PASTA SALAD WITH BACON AND PEAS

Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas image

There's nothing like a cold pasta shell that's coated in a luscious, silky blanket of bliss. But instead of full-on mayo, I swapped in half Greek yogurt for some subtle tang. It is so good. Perfect for a neighborhood potluck. Divine for quick lunches throughout the week.

Provided by Bev Weidner

Categories main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 cups medium pasta shells
6 strips bacon, halved
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 red onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Coarse salt
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish, optional

Steps:

Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water until cool.
Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Then crumble or chop into small pieces.
Combine the pasta with the bacon, carrots, peas, onions, mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon zest and juice in a large bowl and toss until coated and fully mixed together. Season generously with a pinch of salt and give another toss.
Garnish with the parsley leaves if using. Cover and chill the pasta salad for about an hour.

CREAMY SHELLS WITH PEAS AND BACON

Creamy Shells With Peas and Bacon image

Make and share this Creamy Shells With Peas and Bacon recipe from Food.com.

Provided by looneytunesfan

Categories Pasta Shells

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into several pieces
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/4 in. strips
1 medium onion, chopped fine
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 lb small shell pasta or 1 lb penne
2 cups frozen peas
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

Bring 4 quarts water to boil in a large pot for cooking pasta.
Place ricotta, Parmesan, butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in bowl large enough to hold cooked pasta.
Fry oil and bacon in medium nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer bacon to plate lined with paper towels. Add onion to empty pan and cook until lightly golden, about 1 minute. Transfer onion mixture to bowl with ricotta mixture.
Meanwhile, add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta to boiling water. When pasta is about 1 minute shy of al dente, add peas and continue to cook for 1 minute. Reserving 1 cup cooking water, drain pasta and peas. Add 1/2 cup cooking water and lemon juice to ricotta mixture and whisk until smooth. Add pasta and peas to bowl and toss to coat, adding more reserved cooking water as necessary to moisten pasta. Stir in crisp bacon and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 838.6, Fat 32.9, SaturatedFat 15.2, Cholesterol 73, Sodium 519.9, Carbohydrate 101.1, Fiber 7.1, Sugar 7.5, Protein 33.4

CREAMY PASTA WITH SMOKED BACON AND PEAS

Creamy Pasta With Smoked Bacon and Peas image

This elegant riff on a childhood favorite came to The Times in 2009 by way of Jamie Oliver, the British chef and cookbook author. It was featured in his cookbook "Jamie's Food Revolution: Rediscover How to Cook Simple, Delicious, Affordable Meals," and it's a favorite of his daughters, Poppy and Daisy. It's wholesome (no powdered cheese!), and it can be ready in about 15 minutes.

Provided by Alex Witchel

Categories dinner, easy, quick, pastas, main course

Time 15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

Sea salt
10 slices smoked bacon or pancetta
1 pound dried mini-shell or other small pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups frozen peas
2 tablespoons crème fraîche or heavy cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves
Juice of 1 lemon
6 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted to a boil. Meanwhile, cut sliced bacon crosswise into thin slivers, or slice pancetta into julienne. Add pasta to boiling water and cook to taste.
While pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat, and add 2 tablespoons olive oil and the butter. Add bacon or pancetta and a sprinkling of pepper, and fry until golden and crisp. Immediately add frozen peas and stir for a minute or two. Add crème fraîche or heavy cream and chopped mint.
Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and drain the pasta. Add pasta to the skillet and stir. Add lemon juice, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. The mixture should be thick; if desired, a splash of the pasta water may be added to the sauce to thin it slightly. Add Parmesan and stir to mix. If desired, serve with a green salad.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 699, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 66 grams, Fat 35 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 29 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 766 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your dish. Look for high-quality bacon, peas, and parmesan cheese.
Cook the bacon until it's crispy: This will give the dish a nice smoky flavor. Cook the bacon over medium heat so that it has a chance to render its fat and crisp up.
Don't overcook the peas: Peas should be cooked until they are tender but still have a slight bite to them. Overcooked peas will become mushy and lose their flavor.
Use a good quality pasta: The type of pasta you use will also affect the flavor of the dish. Look for a pasta that is made with high-quality durum wheat and has a good texture.
Don't be afraid to experiment: This recipe is a great starting point, but you can feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Try adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices to create a dish that's uniquely your own.

Conclusion:

Creamy Shells with Peas and Bacon is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of creamy sauce, tender peas, crispy bacon, and flavorful parmesan cheese is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy pasta dish, give this recipe a try!