Name: Peas with Pancetta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 ounces pancetta, diced; 1 shallot, minced; 1 pound frozen peas; 1/4 cup chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste

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You know, some of the best meals are the simplest ones. Forget fussy, complicated dishes that take all day! I’m all about quick, easy side dishes that pack a flavor punch. And trust me, these Peas with Pancetta? They’re a game-changer. They take plain ol’ peas and transform them into something seriously delicious in just minutes! This recipe is a favorite, and if you love Italian food as much as I do (it’s practically my second language!), you’re going to adore it.

I’ve been cooking Italian-inspired meals for years, and it’s because I grew up surrounded by amazing cooks. My Nonna taught me all the secrets to amazing Italian home cooking. The secrets to unlocking amazing flavor are usually simple ingredients that make a big impact. That’s why I make these super quick Peas with Pancetta for practically every meal! They’re quick, flavorful, and they elevate simple ingredients. Ready to give them a try?

Why You’ll Love These Delicious Peas with Pancetta

Honestly? These Peas with Pancetta are my go-to side dish because they’re just SO darn easy! You can whip them up in, like, ten minutes flat. Plus, the salty, smoky pancetta just *singing* with the sweetness of the peas? Amazing. It’s the perfect combo of flavors and textures. And the best part? These peas are seriously versatile. Serve them with anything from a simple weeknight chicken dinner to a fancy holiday feast, and you’re golden!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Peas with Pancetta

Okay, so, let’s talk ingredients! You won’t believe how few things you need to make these amazing Peas with Pancetta. First up, you’ll need a good quality olive oil. I usually use about 1 tablespoon. Then, the star of the show: 4 ounces of pancetta, diced. Seriously, get the good stuff! The better the pancetta, the better your peas will taste. Next, you’ll need 1 shallot, minced – it adds a little something extra. Then we have 1 pound of frozen peas (no need to thaw them!), and about 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Finally, don’t forget salt and pepper, to taste, for seasoning – you always need those!

How to Make the Best Peas with Pancetta: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, so making these Peas with Pancetta is ridiculously easy. Seriously, it’s almost embarrassing how little effort is involved! But trust me, the results are worth it. Get ready to have your mind (and your taste buds!) blown. Here’s what you do:

Step 1: Sautéing the Pancetta

First things first. Grab your skillet and put it over medium heat. Add that olive oil, and once it’s heated up, toss in the diced pancetta. Now, you’ll want to cook the pancetta until it’s nice and crispy. This is where all that amazing flavor comes from! As it cooks, the pancetta will render its fat – don’t you dare pour it out! That fat is liquid gold, seriously. This takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the pan and the pancetta.

Step 2: Softening the Shallots

Once the pancetta is looking all golden-brown and crispy, it’s time for the shallots! Add the minced shallot to the skillet and cook it for about 2-3 minutes, or until it softens up. You’ll want them to become translucent and fragrant – that’s when you know they’re ready. Stir it around and be patient, you don’t want them to brown, just soften. This step builds that beautiful flavor base for the whole dish, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Adding the Peas and Chicken Broth

Now, for the main event! Throw in those frozen peas – no need to thaw them first! Pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the peas are heated through. You don’t want to overcook the peas, or they’ll lose their bright green color and start tasting a bit… mushy. Just keep an eye on them and cook until they reach that perfect tender-crisp texture.

Step 4: Seasoning and Serving Your Peas with Pancetta

Almost there! Now, it’s all about the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste – and remember, the pancetta is already salty, so go easy at first! Give everything a final stir, and then you’re ready to serve. You can enjoy your Peas with Pancetta just like that, straight from the skillet. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish with a little fresh parsley, but honestly, they’re perfect as is. Dig in and enjoy!

Ingredient Notes and Potential Substitutions for Peas with Pancetta

Okay, so let’s chat about a few of the stars of this show. First off, that pancetta! I *love* pancetta because it gets perfectly crispy and adds so much smoky, salty flavor. But, you know, life happens, and sometimes you don’t have it on hand. No worries! You can totally sub in some good ol’ bacon – just make sure you drain off some of the excess grease. Prosciutto works, too, but it won’t get as crispy. It’ll still be delish, though!

And those peas? While I love the convenience of frozen, if you’ve got fresh peas, go for it! Just cook them a bit less, maybe 2-3 minutes, to keep that lovely bright green color and tender-crisp texture. Really, you can’t go wrong, and feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference. Now go make some Peas with Pancetta!

Tips for Success: Achieving Perfect Peas with Pancetta

Okay, friends, let’s make sure your Peas with Pancetta are absolutely perfect! First off: Don’t overcook those peas! Nobody wants mushy peas, trust me. Keep a close eye on them, and take them off the heat as soon as they’re heated through and still vibrantly green. Taste as you go when seasoning. Salt and pepper are your friends, but everyone’s taste buds are different. Remember to adjust to your liking!

Also? Don’t be shy with the pancetta! Crispy pancetta is the name of the game, so let it get nice and golden-brown before moving on. And if you’re feeling adventurous? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little kick. Trust me, these tips will lead you to pea perfection!

Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Peas with Pancetta

Honestly? These Peas with Pancetta are fantastic with practically anything! They’re like that perfect accessory that just pulls everything together. I love serving them alongside some grilled chicken – the smoky peas are a dream with the char of the chicken. Also, they’re amazing with roasted fish – the lightness of the flavors complements the delicate fish beautifully. Even a simple pasta dish gets a total upgrade with a side of these peas. Honestly, I’m already thinking about what other main dishes I can make to pair with these Peas with Pancetta. So good!

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions for Peas with Pancetta

So, you’re wondering if you can get a head start, right? You absolutely can! These Peas with Pancetta are great for making ahead. You can cook the entire dish, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Bonus: the flavors meld together even more beautifully overnight!

When you’re ready to eat, just gently reheat the peas in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a tiny splash of water or chicken broth to keep them from drying out. You can also microwave them! Just be a little careful, though, to avoid overcooking. It’s truly a perfect and simple side dish!

Frequently Asked Questions About Peas with Pancetta

Got questions about these amazing Peas with Pancetta? I’ve got answers! Let’s get you cooking faster.

Can I use different types of peas?

Absolutely! While I usually use frozen peas for convenience, fresh peas are a treat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly – fresh peas will cook quicker, so keep a close eye on them to prevent them from getting mushy. Snow peas or snap peas would be fun to try too. It is your kitchen and your peas!

What if I don’t have pancetta?

No pancetta? No problem! Bacon is a perfect sub, just make sure to drain some of the grease. Prosciutto also works if you want a slightly more delicate flavor. Remember, the goal is crispy, savory goodness!

How can I add more flavor?

Want to amp up the flavor? A touch of garlic, added along with the shallots, is divine. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick, and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up. The options are endless, darling!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a quick heads-up: the nutritional info for these Peas with Pancetta is just an estimate. It can change depending on the ingredients and brands you use. So, take it with a grain of salt, okay?