If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this creamy pasta with yogurt, bacon and snap peas. This dish combines the rich creaminess of yogurt with the smoky saltiness of bacon and the freshness of snap peas to create a well-balanced and indulgent meal.
The star of this dish is the creamy yogurt sauce. Made with Greek yogurt, garlic, and parmesan cheese, the sauce is velvety smooth and adds a tangy richness to the pasta. The bacon adds a delightful crunch and a savory depth of flavor, while the snap peas bring a refreshing and crisp element to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
To make this pasta, start by cooking your pasta of choice according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the snap peas until tender-crisp.
In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and grated parmesan cheese. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and immediately toss it with the yogurt sauce. Add in the cooked bacon and snap peas, stirring gently to combine. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredients
1. Pasta:
The star of the dish, the pasta, provides the base for the creamy sauce and holds all the other ingredients together. You can choose any type of pasta you prefer, such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne. The amount will depend on the number of servings you wish to make.
2. Greek Yogurt:
The creamy sauce in this recipe is created using Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt adds a tangy and rich flavor to the dish while also providing a creamy texture. You will need a generous amount of Greek yogurt, approximately 1 cup, to create the desired creaminess.
3. Bacon:
Bacon adds a smoky and savory element to the dish. The crispy and flavorful bacon acts as a contrasting element to the creaminess of the pasta and yogurt sauce. You will need about 4-6 slices of bacon, depending on your preferences.
4. Snap Peas:
Adding a pop of freshness and texture to the dish, snap peas are a delightful addition. These crunchy and vibrant green veggies complement the creamy sauce and bacon perfectly. You will need around 1 cup of snap peas, which should be trimmed and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
5. Garlic:
Garlic is a key ingredient in this recipe, adding a fragrant and savory note to the dish. You will need around 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced or finely chopped, to infuse the pasta and sauce with its aromatic flavor.
6. Parmesan Cheese:
To enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish, grated Parmesan cheese is used. It adds a rich and nutty taste to the pasta, while also providing an extra creamy and cheesy texture to the sauce. You will need around 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
In addition to these main ingredients, you will also need olive oil, salt, and pepper to season the dish to your liking. Optional garnishes can include fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and additional grated Parmesan cheese for serving.
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet, add the snap peas and cook for about 2 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Remove the snap peas from the skillet and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine and serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the bacon fat and stir to coat the pasta.
- Pour in the Greek yogurt sauce and toss to evenly coat the pasta.
- Add the cooked bacon and snap peas to the skillet.
- Gently stir everything together until heated through.
- Remove from heat and serve the creamy pasta with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Enjoy your Creamy Pasta with Yogurt, Bacon, and Snap Peas!
Tips and Variations
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta: You can use any type of pasta for this dish, but shorter shapes like penne or fusilli work well to hold the sauce and ingredients. Choose a pasta shape you enjoy and cook it al dente according to the package instructions.
- Cook the bacon to your preference: Some people prefer crispy bacon, while others like it slightly chewy. Cook the bacon to your desired level of crispness before adding it to the pasta.
- Sauté the snap peas: To bring out their natural sweetness and ensure they are not too crunchy, sauté the snap peas in butter or olive oil for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Add additional vegetables: If you want to increase the vegetable content of the dish, you can add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Simply sauté them along with the snap peas until tender.
Variations:
If you want to change up the flavors or make the dish more suitable for your dietary needs, here are some variations to consider:
- Swap the bacon: If you don’t eat bacon or prefer a vegetarian version, you can skip it altogether or substitute it with crispy tofu, tempeh, or veggie bacon.
- Make it spicy: Add some heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or minced chili peppers. Adjust the spice level to match your preference.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley to add a fresh and fragrant element to the dish.
- Make it dairy-free: If you’re lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, you can use a plant-based yogurt alternative or coconut milk instead of regular yogurt.
- Try different cheeses: While the recipe calls for Parmesan cheese, you can try using other varieties like pecorino, gruyere, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Feel free to get creative with the recipe and adapt it to suit your taste and dietary preferences. The key is to have fun experimenting in the kitchen and enjoy a delicious and creamy pasta dish!
