We have had a pretty quiet weekend here. Just spending time as a family and trying to move past how hard last week was. Our friends and family have been incredible and I have received hundreds of the kindest notes from people I have never met before. It is truly heart warming, and makes me and my family feel so loved. Thank you.
When it rains it pours, right guys? I found out Saturday morning that Coco has to have a toncilectomy and adenoidectomy. And they thought it was severe enough that it is happening next week. OMG. Poor little baby! and then we are looking at 14 days of recovery. I will write a post about this before the surgery because I feel like it owe everyone a PSA about child sleep apnea. But I will save that fun little nugget for next week ☺
But on a bright note, it really felt like Spring today. All of the crocus and the little snow drops are blooming and the hyacinth has started to bud. It gave me hope that there are new things in store for me and for my family, and that they are just around the corner. I saw a beautiful butterfly fluttering around in the back garden today, and for a moment I thought of Mason, and wondered if he had come for a visit…
Then my dad took the kids to the zoo this afternoon, and I confess that I totally had a couch session and watched an entire seasons worth of Girls. Terrible huh? Or maybe just escapism at it’s best…
For dinner, I made this wonderful Creamy Lemon Pasta with Bacon and Peas. It was the easiest thing- a 15 minute dinner! Not bad huh? And the whole family was happy to enjoy it. It is creamy and lightly flavored with bright lemon zest. The sweet peas and the crispy salty bacon are the perfect contrast!
To make this pasta, this is what you do:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and 2 teaspoons of the lemon zest, simmer over the lowest heat.
Add the pasta and cook until al dente. One minute before the pasta is done, add the peas. Drain the pasta and peas and add back to the pot. Add the hot lemon and cream to the pasta and toss to combine.
Add the third teaspoon of lemon zest and season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper.
Serve the pasta with a crumble of bacon over the top.
Recipe: Creamy Lemon Pasta with Bacon and Peas
Ingredients
- -1 lb linguini
- -4 pieces bacon cooked to crispy
- -1 cup heavy cream
- -3 teaspoons lemon zest
- -½ cup peas
- -kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- 2. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and 2 teaspoons of the lemon zest, simmer over the lowest heat.
- 3. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. One minute before the pasta is done, add the peas. Drain the pasta and peas and add back to the pot.
- 4. Add the hot lemon and cream to the pasta and toss to combine. Add the third teaspoon of lemon zest and season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper.
- 5. Serve the pasta with a crumble of bacon over the top.
Preparation time: 2 minute(s)
Cooking time: 10 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 4
Print Recipe
So sorry you guys have been overwhelmed lately. It always seems to happen like that. If it is any consolation, my daughter had her T&A done at age 4 and did amazing. She was having reactive airway problems and constant infections. The recovery was so much quicker than expected. I hope your little one’s goes great, and your family turns the corner quick.
Thank you so much Joanna- so glad to hear about your daughters speedy recovery, I am sure Coco will do great, but still glad to hear that!
Heather, I am so sorry about Mason. He seemed like such a wonderful part of the family. And about the sleep apnea – my nephew had the same to procedures recently. The 2 week recovery was very difficult, but it made a world of difference for his breathing and sleeping! Best of luck to all of you!
Amanda- I seriously dream of the day when Coco will sleep through the night!! I think neither her, Pete or I have reached REM sleep in years, so this will make a HUGE difference in our lives!!
This is my faaaavorite way to eat pasta! Bacon and peas and lemon, uh yeah.
What a WEEK you’ve had. <3
No joke Bev! But now it is Monday, so we are going to start fresh, and hope for better!!
What a nice and tasty meal that is quick and easy enough for weeknight meal!
Perfect pasta for spring!
Spring still feels like a long way off…but perhaps your beautiful pasta can bring a little sunshine.
Thanks Aimee- I sure hope so!! Right now we have our second day in a row with sunshine (I’m not saying it’s warm!) and it is heavenly! I am trying to soak it up!
Possibly the perfect pasta!! Great flavors!! xoxo
Thanks Jenny!!
Ah, poor Coco. My boyfriend has sleep apnea, and I know how it always scares me awake. I can’t imagine seeing a child go through that.
At least she will get to eat lots of popsicles and ice cream! Hoping all goes well!
Hugs and prayers girl! Love this pasta dish!!
Consider yourself pinned!
I have been seeing your pasta all over Pinterest today ~ looks great Heather!
Oh my gosh!! Cant imagine how hard it will be around your house for awhile. But I am glad you are going to post about what you have been through… sounds like info every parent needs to hear! (and beautiful pasta by the way!)
I’m so ready for spring!! love this recipe!
Heather, Two of our sons had their tonsils out when they were very young. It made such a difference and turned them from mouth breathers to nose breathers overnight. The recovery was faster than I was told. She will do well!
oh no! poor baby coco 🙁 this pasta looks lovely for a bright pick me up! it’s so creamy and the colors are so lovely!
Oh my! This 15 minute dinner looks oh so amazing! It’s on my list to make now this week or weekend. Heather, hugs to you for all you’re going through right now… I’ll bet the butterfly was a message from Mason. xo
WOW! I did a similar one with asparagus instead of peas… and I put a poached egg on top 🙂 Easter style! This one looks yummy 🙂 I’ll try when first fresh peas will come out
Alice-The great news is that Trader Joes sells the fresh hulled peas year round!
This recipe is just great! Nothing says spring like lemon pasta. Thanks so much! I blogged about it over here: http://thefoodcharlatan.com/2013/03/29/creamy-lemon-pasta-with-bacon-and-peas/
This recipe is delicious! To make it gluten free we served this over spaghetti squash. I also doubled the peas and the bacon. For the sauce, I misread the quantity of lemon zest and added 2 tbsp instead of tsp but it turned out great! I added 1/4 c grated parmesan and a tsp of minced garlic to the sauce. We served asparagus on the side. So yummy! I loved how easy it was to prepare. Will be making this again! Thanks!
Thank you Ashley!! I should try it over spaghetti squash- sounds delicious!
So simple and elegant! I’ve got to try this recipe. Great post and awesome photos.
Thank you Bill!
This looks wonderful! Love the different spin on a classic Carbonara. I’m making this tonight for my husband and a dinner guest. Thank you for the lovely recipe!!
It was nice. I love the lemon scent 🙂