Savory Bacon & Pea Shell Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Dressing

Ingredients

- 8 oz small shell pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta and Peas
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Add 8 oz of small shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately PT8M (8 minutes).
- In the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add 1 cup frozen peas to the boiling water.
- Drain the pasta and peas, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Bacon
- In a skillet over medium heat, add 4 slices chopped thick cut bacon.
- Cook until the bacon is crispy, about PT6M (6 minutes).
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tbsp of the bacon drippings.

3. Make the Creamy Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp onion powder.

4. Assemble the Pasta Salad
- Add the drained pasta and peas to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add the reserved bacon drippings and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss everything together gently to combine well.

5. Serve
- Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl.
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon on top and drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the salad to enhance flavor.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to PT1H (1 hour) to allow flavors to meld.

Total Time

PT20M
20 minutes

Type of Dish

Lunch

Keywords

Pasta Salad, Bacon Pasta, Parmesan Dressing, Easy Lunch, Family Meal, Quick Recipe, Shell Pasta, Creamy Salad, Summer Lunch, Stove Recipe

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Total Calories: 1,580

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