Easy Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad solves the problem of bland weeknight meals. After making this many times, I know the secret to creamy texture. Creamy and satisfying, this dish hits the spot. Try this recipe with my Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl for a full meal. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl with Quinoa and Berries and Easy Cabbage Taco Skillet Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinner.
Why This Easy Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy texture that satisfies cravings
- Quick and easy to make
- Perfect for any meal
- Tastes like a restaurant dish
What You'll Need for Easy Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 12 oz elbow pasta
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (optional)
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: Chopped green onions
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Use elbow pasta for best texture.
- Bacon: Cook until crispy for best flavor.
- Peas: Frozen peas work best for even cooking.
- Mayonnaise: Use full-fat for creamy taste.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick skillet — Prevents bacon from sticking and cooks evenly. → See on Amazon
- Measuring cups and spoons — Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for best results. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked bacon, and frozen peas. Add mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Before serving, stir in fresh dill if using. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas
- Texture tip: Use fully cooked pasta to avoid a gummy texture.
- Common mistake and fix: If the salad is too dry, add a splash of milk or buttermilk to loosen it up.
- Flavor tip: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add a bright, fresh flavor.
- Storage tip: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating Easy Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
Freezing Easy Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Do not reheat, as the texture may change. Microwave: Do not reheat, as the texture may change.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer flavor.
- Best substitution: If you don't have sour cream, use plain Greek yogurt instead.
- Make-ahead: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping.
- Scaling: Adjust ingredient quantities for larger or smaller batches.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too wet, drain excess liquid from the peas before mixing.
Want to level up this recipe?
Mixing bowl — Large bowl is essential for combining all ingredients smoothly. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow pasta
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Seasonings
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Chopped green onions
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked bacon, and frozen peas. Add mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Before serving, stir in fresh dill if using. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer flavor.
- Best substitution: If you don't have sour cream, use plain Greek yogurt instead.
- Make-ahead: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping.
- Scaling: Adjust ingredient quantities for larger or smaller batches.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too wet, drain excess liquid from the peas before mixing.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Do not reheat, as the texture may change.
- Microwave reheat: Do not reheat, as the texture may change.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas FAQs
Yes, you can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
If the salad is too dry, add a splash of milk or buttermilk to loosen it up. Make sure the pasta is fully cooked and not overdrained.
Freezing is not recommended. The texture may become too soggy after thawing.
Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. It adds a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Yes, this recipe is perfect for summer. It's light, refreshing, and makes a great side dish for backyard cookouts.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
