Lately, I’ve been all about ease and this One Pot Alfredo Pasta with Bacon and Peas is ALL about ease. It’s loaded with garlic, bacon, pasta, peas and finished off with a lazy creamy Alfredo that is just to die for.
Lazy summer days are in full effect and I have pressed the easy button a few times now and what I mean by that is that I like to skip on using too many dishes whenever possible. I am quite literally the messiest person in the kitchen. You can’t tell from my photos, but when I am cooking there’s all but noodles stuck up on the ceiling. I wish I was exaggerating, I really do. My mom tried to teach me the value of “cleaning as you go” since my early teenage years. She still tries to give me a quick lesson in this method every time I am in her kitchen, but alas it’s just not me. I am a messy woman in the kitchen, and that’s just a fact! BUT, i’ll tell ya what, some of my favorite creations come forth when there’s precisely 730 different dishes to do, twenty containers open on the counter, and my dogs are licking some sort of sauce off the lower cabinets. Why am I telling you all about my disorganized chaotic method of choice when it comes to cooking? Well, I’ve been seeing all these “one pot” dishes lately. The ones where you quite literally make every single lil thing in one pot and then you have dinner ready and there’s like 3 dishes and even less if you make everybody eat with their hands and use paper plates. This is a real treat for someone like me who just has such an aversion to doing dishes and loading the dishwasher. I truly refused to believe that a one pot meal like this would even work for the longest time. I got to thinking I should probably just test this theory myself for the sake of my own sanity.
So about this one pot pasta. I went with bacon because well bacon and I are the bestest of friends in the kitchen and I use it whenever I can. (See: Bacon Balsamic Turkey Burgers, BLT Pasta Salad, Bacon and Pepper Frittata, Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit Bake) I went with peas because Pepper absolutely loves peas right now. I’m talking it’s almost the only thing she eats besides fruit and cheese at the moment so we almost always have 3-4 packages of frozen sweet peas in the freezer. Last but not least, I went with parmesan cheese to help aid the cheesy, creamy, delicious factor because parmesan cheese is just so dreamy, a bit salty, and has a nutty flavor that I just love. Not only is the pasta a big hit on busy nights when I don’t want to dirty any dishes. It’s a huge hit with my little miss Pepper. She eats a whole heck of a lot of it and it makes my heart so happy to see her eat something that isn’t cut off of a block of mozzarella cheese. She still refuses any and all macaroni and cheese, but this pasta and her are golden so I will continue to make it for her every few days because it’s just her favorite right now and I really, really love her. Also, Eric and I just love it too! Also, I only have a few dishes to do after dinner and there aren’t any noodles or anything on the ceiling. It’s easy, dreamy, delicious, and that’s all I can really ask for these days.
Let’s get into the kitchen, shall we?
First things first, mince up a few cloves of garlic real quick and set aside. You’ll need them real soon.
Grab some center cut bacon and cut into small pieces.
Place the bacon in a deep large skillet and cook until it gets nice and crispy. (You’ll need the proper fitting lid for this skillet. Just a heads up, If your house is anything like mine and your child digs in the cabinest for different pots, pans, and lids and chases the dogs with the pots and makes hats out of the lids. I’ve had to search for said proper fitting lids one too many times. I normally find them in places like the dog bed or under the couch.
When the bacon is crispy, add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Literally about 25 seconds.
Drain the grease off.
Add in your noodles, water, broth, and salt & pepper. Don’t mind my lil mix of whole wheat and white fiber shells. It’s just what I happened to have had on hand over here. Bring to a boil, stir, then cover. Simmer for about 12 minutes or until the noodles are cooked.
There we go. They should be cooked perfectly.
Pour the half and half and parm into the cooked pasta. Over high heat, bring pasta to a boil while stirring constantly.
Add peas and continue to stir until sauce thickens and peas are heated through. About 3-4 minutes.
And just so ya know, there’s one way to make it even more delicious. Cook up a few extra slices of bacon and crumble just a bit on top of each bowl.
It’s just so bright, colorful, and easy! This pasta comes together so quickly for me and after dinner, especially if I made everyone eat with their hands, I just have a handful of dishes to clean up which is one of the sweeter things in life. I love this meal so much. Since this is something I almost always have in the fridge lately. I’ll letcha know that I’ve also used it more as a side next to a delicious piece of grilled chicken or bulked up the protein by adding in a handful of already grilled or shredded chicken breast. I hope y’all enjoy. Let me know if ya make it!
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Star
One Pot Alfredo Pasta with Bacon and Peas
a creamy, cheesy one pot pasta with peas and bacon
Ingredients
- 10 slices center cut bacon uncooked and sliced into small pieces
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz dry shells (I use barilla white fiber or whole grain)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 ½ cups sweet peas frozen
Instructions
In a large deep skillet add the pieces of bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 25 seconds. Drain off the grease. Stir in pasta, water, chicken brother, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 12 minutes or until the pasta is cooked. Add the half and half, parmesan cheese, and peas. Over medium-high heat, stir constantly until sauce is thickened for about 3-4 minutes. Salt & Pepper to taste. Sprinkle with extra crispy crumbled bacon and or parmesan cheese if desired.
This sounds yummy! I was wondering if I could replace the half and half with 1% milk? I can’t get out to get half and half because of the quarantine and I’m trying to clean out my cupboards. I’ve got everything else. I though maybe adding a little more parmesan if I’m using 1% milk. Thanks.
Hi Michelle! Milk does work jus fine, but it doesn’t get “As creamy” and takes a little bit more time for it to become a sauce. That being said, it’s still delicious when using skim or 1% milk. I hope you enjoy!
Wondering if this could be made in the crockpot?
This recipe is on my menu on a weekly basis! Soo good. But when I make it I end up with some goopey balls. Is this normal?
Hey Amy! So happy you enjoy! I’m guessing it might be the parmesan not melting completely for some reason. Try reducing the heat a bit when stirring it all in together that might help.
Made this last night after seeing you post a picture on Instagram. Absolutely delicious!!! Very flavorful!! I will be making this frequently.
This is one of my favorite meals in the world! SO happy you enjoy it, Lori. Thanks so much for stopping by to let me know!
Love the one pot!! Also love is recipe. It was delicious and a large amount for only 8 points. My kids love it too (which is a miracle )
Whenever I have a mom ask me what to make that’s super kid friendly I ALWAYS say this one. It’s a total picky eater pleaser. Pepper licks the plate clean. I don’t know what’s so different about it that makes it such a kid favorite, but I’m so happy you and your kiddos enjoyed it too, Joy!
So delicious! It’s my favorite and my kids love it, too! That’s a win for our picky eaters. I sent leftovers in my daughter’s school lunch and got a note home from the teacher requesting the recipe! Delish! Thank you for making delicious, easy recipes that I can whip up quick and stay on track!
oh my gosh! I love it so much that the teacher asked for the recipe.
Do you not drain the pasta after boiling, before adding the half and half?
No, I don’t drain the pasta. There’s not extra liquid. I use just enough for it to cook up with all the ingredients making it an awesome one pot meal. Enjoy!
Made this tonight and it was amazing! Thank you for sharing all your recipes, they never disappoint!
Hi Star! Did you use regular half and half or fat free? I know different brands can give you different point values, so I’m trying to figure out where I went astray in my entering. Thanks! PS I’m super excited to try this tomorrow!
Hi there Rebekah! I use regular half and half, usually the brand Land O’ Lakes, but I’ve seen others use Fat Free Half & Half and it worked out for them as well. I hope you love it!
Did you use regular half and half? Comes up as 9 points in my recipe builder so trying to figure out different ways to adjust.
I can’t belive this is only 350 cals per serving. It is SO good! This definitely tastes like a cheat meal, and the serving size is super satisfying. Thank you for such an awesome recipe! For anyone wondering about substituting the peas, I used broccoli because it’s what I had on hand and it was perfect. I just added the broccoli to the skillet a few minutes after I added the pasta so it had enough time to cook. Thanks Star! 🙂
I’m so happy you enjoyed so much, Elsie! Thanks for the tip on the broccoli too!
I have seen everyone making this so many times on Instagram and finally planned to give it a shot knowing we have loved every one of your recipes. Moms chicken and rice is a staple! I did sub with fat free half and half because that’s what I had on hand. Otherwise followed exactly. You did it again! Comforting and filing. Teenager loved it as well. Thank you for all you do
This is the best.thing.ever.
I made it last week for dinner and the whole family loved it – even my picky seven year old! I made it again last night as a side to my husband’s grilled chicken. (I also subbed the shells for Carba-Nada egg fettuccini noodles and it was delicious that way too!)
Thanks for such a fantastic recipe! This is a forever keeper.
This is the best.thing.ever.
I made it last week for dinner and the whole family loved it – even my picky seven year old! I made it again last night as a side to my husband’s grilled chicken. (I also subbed the shells for Carba-Nada egg fettuccini noodles and it was delicious that way too!)
Thanks for such a fantastic recipe! This is a forever keeper.
Made this after seeing on your Instagram in the last week. So delicious! My husband doesn’t like peas, so I roasted some asparagus and replaced the peas with it. It was so good! Highly recommend. I may add even more veggies in the future. Thanks!
Sounds good!! I must make it with asparagus asap!
Made this after seeing on your Instagram in the last week. So delicious! My husband doesn’t like peas, so I roasted some asparagus and replaced the peas with it. It was so good! Highly recommend. I may add even more veggies in the future. Thanks!
Sounds good!! I must make it with asparagus asap!
Any thoughts what the best vegetable to replace peas for this recipe could be? My husband HATES peas so thinking of what else to use. TIA
Any thoughts what the best vegetable to replace peas for this recipe could be? My husband HATES peas so thinking of what else to use. TIA
SIMPLE, QUICK AND DELICIOUS!
SIMPLE, QUICK AND DELICIOUS!
I would love to try this but totally flummoxed with half and half? What am I missing?
Are you in the United States? Half & Half is mixture of milk and heavy cream that is sold in bottles/cartons near the milk in grocery stores. I remember a few people asking about it before too and they were from England and Ireland and apparently this doesn’t exist there. I would stir equal parts of milk and cream to get the same result.
I would love to try this but totally flummoxed with half and half? What am I missing?
Are you in the United States? Half & Half is mixture of milk and heavy cream that is sold in bottles/cartons near the milk in grocery stores. I remember a few people asking about it before too and they were from England and Ireland and apparently this doesn’t exist there. I would stir equal parts of milk and cream to get the same result.
I have a photography workshop next weekend with 7 people. Is it possible to prepare this the day before and what would be the best way to reheat a double batch or, is it best to prepare and serve the same day?
This was wonderful! My husband said it was his favorite and he can’t believe I can eat this on Weight Watchers. We had it two nights in a row and even my picky-ish 14 year old son liked it. We also really love your street tacos. Thanks so much for sharing.
You’re welcome, Kami. I am so glad to hear the entire family enjoyed this. It’s what I aim to do!
This was wonderful! My husband said it was his favorite and he can’t believe I can eat this on Weight Watchers. We had it two nights in a row and even my picky-ish 14 year old son liked it. We also really love your street tacos. Thanks so much for sharing.
You’re welcome, Kami. I am so glad to hear the entire family enjoyed this. It’s what I aim to do!
This was incredible! I made it last night for my husband and myself. He loved it .. i Loved it! It is going in our rotation for sure. YUM
So happy you enjoyed!
This was incredible! I made it last night for my husband and myself. He loved it .. i Loved it! It is going in our rotation for sure. YUM
So happy you enjoyed!
Going to make this Friday night! Was wondering the size of the shells you used? Small or medium? Thanks!!
medium shells. Hope you enjoy!
Going to make this Friday night! Was wondering the size of the shells you used? Small or medium? Thanks!!
medium shells. Hope you enjoy!
I made this Friday night and it was amazing! I felt like I was cheating and it was a great feeling to know I wasn’t! I have the white chicken chili in the crockpot right now, can’t wait to try that!
I’m so happy you loved it! I hope you love the chili too!
I made this Friday night and it was amazing! I felt like I was cheating and it was a great feeling to know I wasn’t! I have the white chicken chili in the crockpot right now, can’t wait to try that!
I’m so happy you loved it! I hope you love the chili too!
I’m wondering how many points this would be without the bacon? Just not a bacon lover. Thinking about adding chicken instead!
I believe it’s 5 Points without the bacon!
I’m wondering how many points this would be without the bacon? Just not a bacon lover. Thinking about adding chicken instead!
I believe it’s 5 Points without the bacon!
Yum!! I made this tonight and the fam loved it! I actually used penne pasta and added shrimp. After the bacon was crisp I removed it from the pan and sauteed shrimp and garlic… then removed them from the pan to cook the pasta. Then just mixed everything together with the cream. Sooo yummy! Thanks.
Nichole
Yum!! I made this tonight and the fam loved it! I actually used penne pasta and added shrimp. After the bacon was crisp I removed it from the pan and sauteed shrimp and garlic… then removed them from the pan to cook the pasta. Then just mixed everything together with the cream. Sooo yummy! Thanks.
Nichole
I made this tonight. SO delicious! I used the WW recipe builder and came up with 10 points per servings instead of 8. Did I calculate wrong? Thank you for this recipe!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Sometimes certain brands of ingredients can effect the point value, but it’s possible you calculated wrong too.
I made this tonight. SO delicious! I used the WW recipe builder and came up with 10 points per servings instead of 8. Did I calculate wrong? Thank you for this recipe!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Sometimes certain brands of ingredients can effect the point value, but it’s possible you calculated wrong too.
Can’t wait to try this. I’m making my grocery list and wasn’t sure if I should use regular bacon or turkey bacon. What type of bacon did you use? Either way, I’m sure it will be delicious!
Hi Jackie! Sorry to just see this. The recipe calls for center cut bacon, but turkey bacon would work too.
In my opinion, turkey bacon doesn’t perform well in this dish. I would opt for chicken.
Can’t wait to try this. I’m making my grocery list and wasn’t sure if I should use regular bacon or turkey bacon. What type of bacon did you use? Either way, I’m sure it will be delicious!
Hi Jackie! Sorry to just see this. The recipe calls for center cut bacon, but turkey bacon would work too.
Not a big deal, but just so you know…your instructions say to stir in the chicken brother haha.
whoops! haha I’m surprised no one has caught that yet. Thanks!
Not a big deal, but just so you know…your instructions say to stir in the chicken brother haha.
whoops! haha I’m surprised no one has caught that yet. Thanks!
Did you use grated parmesan that comes on container or shredded bag parmesan cheese?
I used fresh finely grated. You can use the stuff that comes in the containers or freshly grated.
Did you use grated parmesan that comes on container or shredded bag parmesan cheese?
I used fresh finely grated. You can use the stuff that comes in the containers or freshly grated.
Hi! Made this tasty dish tonight and it was kid approved. I’m so excited to find meals that are Weight Watchers friendly and kid approved! Makes my life so much easier making one dinner!!
I am so happy you and the kiddos approve! My lil Pep loves it so much too! It’s a weekly dish around here.
Hi! Made this tasty dish tonight and it was kid approved. I’m so excited to find meals that are Weight Watchers friendly and kid approved! Makes my life so much easier making one dinner!!
I am so happy you and the kiddos approve! My lil Pep loves it so much too! It’s a weekly dish around here.
I live alone, so would either want to half the recipe or freeze in single serving portions – any idea if freezing would be an issue – just not sure with the half and half in there. One way or another, I have to try this – it looks delish!!!
I would definitely halve the recipe. I’ve never tried freezing this, but it just doesn’t seem like it would freeze the best to me. I hope you enjoy it!
I live alone, so would either want to half the recipe or freeze in single serving portions – any idea if freezing would be an issue – just not sure with the half and half in there. One way or another, I have to try this – it looks delish!!!
I would definitely halve the recipe. I’ve never tried freezing this, but it just doesn’t seem like it would freeze the best to me. I hope you enjoy it!
Loved this! I used about 1/2 the garlic and was happy with that amount but I’m not a huge garlic person Very good, very easy recipe that will be in my regular rotation now!!
Loved this! I used about 1/2 the garlic and was happy with that amount but I’m not a huge garlic person Very good, very easy recipe that will be in my regular rotation now!!
Delicious!!! I used ham instead of bacon (what I had in the house), and made 1 1/2 times of the sauce. I added some corn starch at the end to really thicken it up. And, making it in one pot was so easy! It was incredible!!! My husband absolutely loved it like I did. It’s a keeper for our household, and I’m going to share it with others!
I am so happy to hear you and your husband enjoyed! Ham sounds just as delicious. I should try that next time!
Delicious!!! I used ham instead of bacon (what I had in the house), and made 1 1/2 times of the sauce. I added some corn starch at the end to really thicken it up. And, making it in one pot was so easy! It was incredible!!! My husband absolutely loved it like I did. It’s a keeper for our household, and I’m going to share it with others!
I am so happy to hear you and your husband enjoyed! Ham sounds just as delicious. I should try that next time!
YUMMMMM! Another great one! I’m doubling the recipe next time.
So happy you enjoyed, Whitney!!! Thanks for the review! I double this one all the time because Pepper eats SO much of it.
YUMMMMM! Another great one! I’m doubling the recipe next time.
So happy you enjoyed, Whitney!!! Thanks for the review! I double this one all the time because Pepper eats SO much of it.
Love your recipes and your crock pot marinara gives me life! This dish looks SO delicious and I’d love to make this! One question – does the bacon get overly soft or mushy from leaving it in when you add the liquids? I expected to have to remove it from the pan before adding the liquid. My daughter has weird texture issues lol. Thanks!!
I definitely don’t think it gets mushy, but it’s not super crispy the way it would be if you were just frying/baking it up. If she’s really turned off by texture maybe remove it from the pan just to be on the safe side. I’d hate for her not to enjoy it because of that! I hope y’all enjoy it when ya make it. Let me know how it goes!
Love your recipes and your crock pot marinara gives me life! This dish looks SO delicious and I’d love to make this! One question – does the bacon get overly soft or mushy from leaving it in when you add the liquids? I expected to have to remove it from the pan before adding the liquid. My daughter has weird texture issues lol. Thanks!!
I definitely don’t think it gets mushy, but it’s not super crispy the way it would be if you were just frying/baking it up. If she’s really turned off by texture maybe remove it from the pan just to be on the safe side. I’d hate for her not to enjoy it because of that! I hope y’all enjoy it when ya make it. Let me know how it goes!
Husband approved! Delicious, easy, and fast, thanks for another great recipe!
You’re welcome! Thanks for the feedback, Katy! This is just one of my absolute favorites right now. Life is better with alfredo in it!
Husband approved! Delicious, easy, and fast, thanks for another great recipe!
You’re welcome! Thanks for the feedback, Katy! This is just one of my absolute favorites right now. Life is better with alfredo in it!
I made this tonight and it was really good. My husband enjoyed it too. This will become a regular on my Weight Watchers menu. Thanks for the great recipe.
You’re welcome. I’m so happy to hear you and your husband liked it! Thanks for stopping by at letting me know! =)
I made this tonight and it was really good. My husband enjoyed it too. This will become a regular on my Weight Watchers menu. Thanks for the great recipe.
You’re welcome. I’m so happy to hear you and your husband liked it! Thanks for stopping by at letting me know! =)
Thoughts on subbing canned peas for frozen? Thanks!
Should be just fine as long as you like canned peas! =)
Thoughts on subbing canned peas for frozen? Thanks!
Should be just fine as long as you like canned peas! =)
mmmmmm chicken brother 🙂
mmmmmm chicken brother 🙂
I made this recipe on Sunday night (LOVED it by the way) and today is my third day of having it for lunch. The recipe states that it makes five servings but I only got three out of it for some reason. I always make sure to measure out each of my servings so I’m not sure what I did wrong. Do you weight your pasta out to 8 oz? I only used 1 cup of uncooked pasta.
I am so happy you enjoyed it!! I always weigh my pasta because dry pasta is just oddly shaped and measuring it in measuring cups can be difficult to do and off. (You get more bang for your buck when weighing) I went and grabbed shells and a measuring cup and weighed and measured 8 oz of it. It’s roughly 2 1/2 cups of dry pasta vs the 1 cup that you used. So there’s the answer, Sorry bout that!
I made this recipe on Sunday night (LOVED it by the way) and today is my third day of having it for lunch. The recipe states that it makes five servings but I only got three out of it for some reason. I always make sure to measure out each of my servings so I’m not sure what I did wrong. Do you weight your pasta out to 8 oz? I only used 1 cup of uncooked pasta.
I am so happy you enjoyed it!! I always weigh my pasta because dry pasta is just oddly shaped and measuring it in measuring cups can be difficult to do and off. (You get more bang for your buck when weighing) I went and grabbed shells and a measuring cup and weighed and measured 8 oz of it. It’s roughly 2 1/2 cups of dry pasta vs the 1 cup that you used. So there’s the answer, Sorry bout that!
Okay, so I made this recipe on Sunday night and I LOVE it. But I did something wrong when making it and I’m not sure what… I am on day three of the recipe, so I should have two servings left, and I always measure out my servings, but for some reason I don’t have enough? I measured out 8 oz of pasta which in my mind was 1 cup of pasta. Did I need to use a scale and instead measure out 8 oz of pasta?
Okay, so I made this recipe on Sunday night and I LOVE it. But I did something wrong when making it and I’m not sure what… I am on day three of the recipe, so I should have two servings left, and I always measure out my servings, but for some reason I don’t have enough? I measured out 8 oz of pasta which in my mind was 1 cup of pasta. Did I need to use a scale and instead measure out 8 oz of pasta?
This was amazing! We will make again for sure. Thanks for the great recipe!
So happy you enjoyed. Thanks for stopping by to comment that you liked it! =)
This was amazing! We will make again for sure. Thanks for the great recipe!
So happy you enjoyed. Thanks for stopping by to comment that you liked it! =)
Lovely! Question – what would it be if you removed the bacon (unholy – I know) lol.
I think it would still taste pretty delicious because of the creamy alfredo. You could even add a bit more parmesan! Did you try it that way?!
Lovely! Question – what would it be if you removed the bacon (unholy – I know) lol.
I think it would still taste pretty delicious because of the creamy alfredo. You could even add a bit more parmesan! Did you try it that way?!
I made this for my husband and he couldn’t get enough. It was so good and super easy to make. Can’t wait until I can make it again.
I made this for my husband and he couldn’t get enough. It was so good and super easy to make. Can’t wait until I can make it again.
Delicious! Super easy and my family loved it. Thank you Star for another great recipe
Delicious! Super easy and my family loved it. Thank you Star for another great recipe