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Cheers to the Weekend: Shells with Pancetta and Peas

Cheers to the Weekend: Shells with Pancetta and Peas is the easiest dinner you can make when you don't really feel like cooking but are starving to death! It's simple, yet delicious and definitely filling.
Servings 6 to 8 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound small pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4- pound diced pancetta
  • 1 large shallot finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup creme fraiche or mascarpone cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
  • fresh lemon slices for serving

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil, and salt generously. Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Set a large pot over medium-high heat with the olive oil. Once hot, add in the pancetta. Cook until browned and crispy, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Once the fat has rendered and the pancetta is crispy, transfer to a small dish with a slotted spoon. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of grease from the pot. Stir in the shallot and garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in the creme fraiche and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked shells, peas, mint, basil, the browned pancetta and parmesan. Give it all a big stir and cook over low for 1 to 2 minutes. If the sauce appears to be too thick, stir in enough of the remaining reserved pasta water to develop a loose sauce. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning accordingly. Serve with parmesan on top and a wedge of lemon. Enjoy!
Author: The Candid Appetite