CREAMY PASTA WITH SMOKED BACON AND PEAS

Creamy Pasta With Smoked Bacon and Peas image

Number Of Ingredients 10

10 slices smoked bacon or pancetta
1 pound dried mini-shell or other small pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
2 cups frozen peas
2 tablespoons crème fraîche or heavy cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves
1 juice of fresh lemon
6 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted to a boil. Meanwhile, cut sliced bacon crosswise into thin slivers, or slice pancetta into julienne. Add pasta to boiling water and cook to taste.
While pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat, and add 2 tablespoons olive oil and the butter. Add bacon or pancetta and a sprinkling of pepper, and fry until golden and crisp. Immediately add frozen peas and stir for a minute or two. Add crème fraîche or heavy cream and chopped mint.
Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and drain the pasta. Add pasta to the skillet and stir. Add lemon juice, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. The mixture should be thick; if desired, a splash of the pasta water may be added to the sauce to thin it slightly. Add Parmesan and stir to mix. If desired, serve with a green salad.