Pasta with Bacon and Peas

Creamy Pasta with Bacon and Peas

 Servings:  About 6 - 8

My DH just loves pasta with bacon or ham and green peas!  Believe it or not, I've even made this recipe with hotdogs sliced into bite sized pieces as a substitute for bacon!  He loves that too!  This is is definitely one of those easy and delicious recipes and it's perfect for a week night family dinner.  I use 2% milk and low fat cream cheese to reduce calories and fat.  All you need to complete the meal is a garden salad and crusty Italian bread! (and perhaps a glass of Pinot Grigio!)... Amore!

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound dry spaghetti noodles (or fettuccine, penne or farfalle)

1  (12-ounce) package frozen green peas

2 Tablespoons butter

1 small onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 ½ cups milk

1 (8-ounce) package low fat cream cheese, cubed

8 ounces bacon, cooked and torn into bite sized pieces

Fresh ground black pepper to taste

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

• In a large pot, boil the pasta according to package directions.  Add the peas during the last 3 minutes of cooking.  Drain the pasta and peas, reserving ½ cup pasta water, in a colander and place in a large serving dish.
• While the pasta is boiling, melt the butter over medium heat. 
• Add onions and cook until translucent and then add the garlic and cook for one minute more.
• Stir in the cream cheese, stirring until well combined and mixture is smooth.  Slowly stir in the milk and continue stirring until the mixture is hot, about 1 to 2 minutes.  If too thick, add the reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.  Add the bacon and black pepper to taste.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
• Add this sauce to the serving dish with the pasta and toss to combine.