Looking for a hearty and easy weeknight dinner that's packed with flavor? Try my Turmeric Pasta with Bacon and Peas recipe! PLUS: learn more about the health benefits of turmeric and how to use it in cooking.
It's going to be 85 degrees in Portland today, and I'm sharing a rich, hearty, oh so satisfying comfort food turmeric pasta recipe.
Because it's pasta, folks. Pasta knows no seasons. It knows no boundaries.
Pasta looks at you with its big starchy eyes and soothingly sings "Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, all you have to do is call... and I'll be there...yeah yeah... you've got a friend."
Okay, maybe that was James Taylor who sang that (and yes, I used to listen to that when I was a young child, which means that yes, I am old). But even though I've cut back on grains and carbs, pasta is still my friend, no matter what season.
Pasta knows. Pasta understands.
Turmeric Pasta with Bacon and Peas
Today's pasta recipe is a twist on my son's personal favorite pasta dish that I make: fettuccine with bacon and peas.
Normally I make a dairy-free cream sauce that's built from a salty, savory bacon base, then add peas. Voila, pasta with bacon and peas. Done! So fast and delicious.
Recently, I decided to add some turmeric to my regular dairy-free creamy pasta sauce, and lo and behold: it was AMAZING!! The flavor was bigger, bolder, and sassier than ever without being spicy (because I'm a total spice wimp).
Why Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice that traditionally grows in Southeast Asia. You've likely enjoyed it Indian, Thai, Pakistani, and Persian dishes at restaurants.
During my recent trip to Kauai, some trip mates went on a tour of Kauai Farmacy, where they learned all about the health benefits and practical applications of various spices - turmeric being one of them.
I was lucky enough to be given a container of their turmeric, cacao, and ginger spice blend to take home. It's a delicious addition to so many foods!
Potential Health Benefits of Turmeric
While, like many spices, the health benefits touted by the medical community vary, here are a few reported health benefits of this tasty spice:
- naturally detoxes the liver
- contains anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to help treat arthritis and lessen joint pain, as well as inflammatory skin problems
- has been used in various treatments for breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and more
- In China, turmeric has been used to help treat depression
Using turmeric in your diet
- Blend it into your smoothies
- Drink it either as a tea or add it to your tea
- Add it to your pasta sauce (like I did in today's recipe!)
- Mix it into your salad dressing
- Add it to your dry rub spice mixes for super tasty veggie and meat dishes
Turmeric Pasta with Bacon and Peas Recipe
Turmeric Pasta with Bacon and Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 4 strips bacon chopped into smaller pieces (about ½" wide pieces)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 3 Tablespoons dry white wine or chicken stock
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup fresh or frozen peas
- Optional: salt & freshly ground pepper to taste grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions.
- While water is boiling and pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce.
- In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium-high heat until it is just melted.
- Add bacon pieces and stir to cook evenly, about 4-6 minutes.
- When bacon is just cooked to your liking, add garlic and continue stirring and cooking for another minute. Sprinkle flour over the bacon and garlic, and stir until it's mixed in.
- Slowly pour wine or stock in and stir.
- Add milk, turmeric powder, salt and pepper. Turn down heat to low-medium and allow to simmer, stirring every now and then, until the sauce has thickened. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Add the peas to the sauce and stir. If you are using frozen peas, this will bring the heat of the sauce down a bit and you'll just need to cook the sauce for a couple of extra minutes until the heat evens back out and the peas are fully thawed out in the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, along with ¼ cup of reserved hot starchy pasta water.
- Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Add salt and pepper to taste as needed, along with freshly grated parmesan cheese if you desire. Feel free to garnish with parsley if you're feeling fancy.
- Devour immediately.
Notes
Also: feel free to less turmeric powder if you are just starting out cooking with turmeric. The flavor is strong for some people and not too strong for others, so if you're new to cooking with turmeric, it's best to start out low and slow! Try ½ teaspoon to start and then work your way up.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
Do you like the taste of turmeric? What's your favorite way of enjoying this super spice?
Daniela Anderson says
Nothing can beat a nice bowl of pasta, and if you add bacon and peas, you know it can only be finger-liking good. I love adding tumeric to many dishes, not only for its health benefits, but also for the lovely colour.
Amy says
I keep hearing about turmeric but I never use it in my cooking! But the health benefits sound wonderful! I'm going to have to get a jar and try this!
Molly Kumar says
The pasta looks so pretty and includes two of my fav ingredients - 'turmeric' and 'bacon'. Coming from India, we use turmeric in almost every recipe that we make and definitely agree to all its health benefits.Will try this combination soon and great pics :)
soniya Saluja says
I honestly think peas and pasta were made to go together. But loved the use of turmeric .. we use this spice alot in our indian cooking ... Loved your recipe will definitely try it soon !!
Vanessa says
What a great dish! I've actually been craving something with bacon and peas, and this recipe inspires me.
Swathi says
I love the addition of turmeric in pasta I usually make the curried pasta. But this one simple and delicious with peas and turmeric.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Yum - I love turmeric within curried pasta too!
Noel Lizotte says
This looks delicious! We're adding more turmeric to our diets as well ... lots of health benefits for us. We even make a turmeric paste to give the dogs to help sore hips.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
What a great idea for dogs!
Christine says
Loving turmeric on everything right now! Such a great idea to add it to pasta. Would love to try this recipe very soon!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks Christine!
Pech says
Pasta with peas and bacon is already all win - I'e never thought of throwing turmeric in there but I've heard vaguely of the benefits of turmeric and this is a way to enjoy it without having the regular ethnic dishes!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I do find it's a nice neutral way to introduce turmeric to those who might be intimidated by it :) Thanks, Pech!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
We are pasta lovers here so this sounds delicious. I will admit I have never tried turmeric and pasta together. It does produce a nice colour.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
High five to fellow pasta lovers! Thanks, Gloria! :)
Veena Azmanov says
I'm Indian so I like turmeric in anything I can especially because of it's health benefits.. And I've been embarrassed that I add it to thing that are non Indian- Pasta too! I love the addition of bacon in this.. Sounds so refreshing.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I love so many Indian dishes with turmeric - so flavorful! Thanks, Veena :)
Mari says
Turmeric is not something I grew up with so it's fairly new to me. But love the quality it gives to dishes! It's great to learn about new ways of using it, thank you for all the info and great recipe and pics! :D
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Glad you found this helpful, Mari! Hope you find new ways to love turmeric!
Adriana Lopez Martn says
Never have used turmeric in pasta this is a great idea like a carbonara but with a twist. Very yummy idea!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
It IS like carbonara with a twist! :) Thanks, Adriana
Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama says
I would never have thought to add turmeric to pasta. I only use it in Indian food (mmmm...) but I may have to branch out! Also, yes for pasta in any season!!!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
It's SO good in Indian food, isn't it?! Love it!
Create/Enjoy says
Interesting! I haven't found many ways to use turmeric yet but I do like it!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Hope you find lots of yummy new ways to enjoy it! :)
Michele says
I have a whole group of friends who swear that turmeric prevents or lessens their colds. And after reading that it helps the liver, I think I should try this recipe. Gotta do something to balance my daily wine intake ;)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Ahh yes, it IS supposed to be great as a tea to help colds! I'm with you on including it more to balance the wine intake ;)