Farfalle with Pancetta and Peas in a Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce

Elevate your weeknight pasta game with this decadent Farfalle with Pancetta and Peas in a Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce. Perfectly al dente bowtie pasta is smothered in a luscious sauce made from roasted garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, delivering a rich, complex flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Crispy, golden pancetta adds a savory crunch, while sweet, tender peas bring balance and a pop of freshness to the dish. The highlight? Roasting an entire bulb of garlic transforms it into a caramelized, buttery paste that infuses the sauce with deep, mellow sweetness. Quick to prepare yet impressively indulgent, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy goodness.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz farfalle pasta
• 6 oz pancetta, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 whole garlic bulb
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 4 quarts water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Cut the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil and wrap it in aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, until the cloves are golden and soft.

Step 3

While the garlic roasts, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced pancetta. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, and add 2 tbsp of butter to the skillet with the pancetta fat. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the pan, smashing them with a spoon to create a smooth paste.

Step 6

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine with the roasted garlic. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 8

Add the cooked farfalle, crispy pancetta, and peas to the skillet. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, if using, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4909.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3553.5

Total Fat 203.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 100.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 501.1mg	0%
Sodium 5314.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 313.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.6g	0%
Total Sugars 22.3g
Protein 114.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1418.7mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 1169.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.7%

Protein: 12.9%

Carbs: 35.4%