Crème Fraiche Pasta with Peas and Bacon

Step 1

Cook pasta to al dente, according to package instructions, in salted water. During the last minute of cooking, add frozen peas. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

Trim and thinly slice green onions on the diagonal and chop the bacon. Set a side a few of each to garnish the finished dish.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the bacon, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Continue to cook until the bacon is done and the green onions are beginning to brown and char; about 6 to 7 minutes total.

Step 4

While the pasta is cooking, make the sauce. In a large bowl, combine the Parmesan, creme fraiche, and lemon zest; stir to combine. Then stir in 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the green onions and bacon mixture.

Step 5

Once the pasta and peas are cooked. Add the pasta to the sauce; toss until fully combined. Add additional pasta water if desired to loosen the sauce.