This irresistible pasta dish is proof that simple ingredients can create big flavours! Velvety pea purée, crispy bacon, and fragrant mint come together in a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to al dente spaghetti. A squeeze of lemon brightens it all up, making every bite fresh and indulgent. Best part? It’s budget-friendly, quick to whip up, and guaranteed to impress. Perfect for a cozy night in or a fuss-free family dinner! 🍝✨ #10DollarDinners
Recipe
Serves 4 · Prep 10m · Cook 20m
Ingredients
180g + 325g frozen peas
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 bunch of mint, leaves picked
125ml water
400g bag spaghetti
Salt
480g D’orsogna rindless streaky bacon, diced
1 medium onion, finely diced
100ml thickened cream
100g parmesan, finely grated
½ lemon
Freshly milled pepper
Method
Prepare the Pea Purée: — Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 180g of the peas and cook for 2 minutes.
Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, half of the mint, and a small splash of water to the hand blender. Blend on high speed with a Braun hand blender until smooth. Set aside.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the peas to a hand blender or food processor.
Blend on high speed with a Braun hand blender until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta — In the same pot of boiling water, cook the pasta for 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions (about 6 minutes).
Crisp the Bacon — In a large, heavy-based fry pan over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy and the fat is rendered.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels (a Chux cloth works too!). Set aside.
Make the Sauce — Return the fry pan to medium heat and cook the diced onion in the rendered bacon fat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add a pinch of salt to season.
Stir in the remaining frozen peas and cook until thawed. Then, pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
Combine and Finish — Return the crispy bacon to the pan and add the cooked pasta. Gently toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Stir in the pea purée and as much of the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Spritz with lemon juice and stir in half of the remaining mint.
Serve: — Plate the pasta and garnish with a final sprinkle of Parmesan, the remaining mint, and a spritz of lemon juice.
Season with freshly cracked black pepper and additional salt, if needed.