Penne Peas Bacon Pasta (Creamy 30-Minute Dinner) - Quickie Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) penne
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, for the pasta water
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• 6 oz (170 g) thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, only if the bacon is very lean
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 1/2 cups (210 g) frozen peas
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Black pepper, to taste