Fregola with Green Peas, Mint, and Ricotta

A delightful Italian pasta dish combining tender fregola with fresh peas, crispy bacon, and creamy ricotta, all brightened with fresh mint. This comforting meal balances hearty pasta with light spring vegetables.

4 servings
32 min

Ingredients

  • cups fregola
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 ounces bacon
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 to taste black pepper
  • 1 cup peas
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint
  • 4 ounces ricotta

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cook fregola in a large pot of boiling salted water until very al dente, 6-8 minutes. Drain pasta (do not rinse), reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.

    8 min

  2. 2.

    Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium and cook bacon, stirring often, until bacon is brown around the edges, about 5 minutes. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crisp and onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Add wine, bring to a simmer, and cook until skillet is almost dry, about 5 minutes. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Add fregola and cook, stirring often, until pasta is just al dente and broth is thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add peas and chopped mint and cook, stirring, until peas are warmed through, about 2 minutes. Add pasta cooking liquid as needed to adjust consistency.

    12 min

  4. 4.

    Serve topped with ricotta, mint, and cracked pepper and drizzled with oil.

    2 min