Seven P’s Pasta is a rich and comforting Italian pasta dish made with seven delicious ingredients that all start with the letter “P”. This creamy pasta combines pancetta, peas, tomato sauce, cream, Parmesan cheese, and chili pepper to create a flavorful and indulgent dish.
Sometimes also called Seven Sins Pasta, this recipe is loved for its perfect balance of smoky pancetta, sweet peas, and creamy tomato sauce. It’s a simple but incredibly satisfying pasta dish that can be ready in about 30 minutes.
Perfect for a cozy dinner, this pasta is one of those recipes that feels both rustic and indulgent at the same time.
What is Seven P’s Pasta?
Seven P’s Pasta is a creamy Italian pasta dish made with seven ingredients that traditionally start with the letter “P”: pasta, pancetta, peas, pomodoro (tomato), panna (cream), parmigiano, and peperoncino. The combination creates a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it also called Seven Sins Pasta?
Some people refer to it as “Seven Sins Pasta” because the ingredients are indulgent and comforting. The creamy sauce, crispy pancetta, and Parmesan make it a dish that feels a little decadent—hence the playful name.
What pasta shape works best for Seven P’s Pasta?
Short pasta shapes that hold sauce well are the best choice. Penne rigate are the most traditional option because the ridges help trap the creamy sauce. Rigatoni, fusilli, or mezze maniche are also excellent alternatives.
Can I make Seven P’s Pasta without pancetta?
Yes. Pancetta gives the dish its smoky and savory flavor, but you can substitute it with guanciale, bacon, or even diced ham. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the pancetta entirely and sauté mushrooms instead.
Can I make the sauce lighter?
If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of cream or replace part of it with pasta cooking water. This will still give the pasta a creamy texture while making the dish slightly less rich.
How to Store
If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or water. Stir gently until the sauce becomes creamy again and the pasta is heated through. Microwave reheating is possible, but using a pan helps restore the sauce texture much better.
How to Freeze
Freezing the fully prepared pasta is not recommended because cream-based sauces tend to separate once thawed. However, you can freeze the tomato, pancetta, and pea sauce before adding the cream. Let it cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight, warm it in a pan, and add the cream at the end before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
How to Make Seven P’s Pasta
Start by cutting the pancetta into small cubes and slicing the leek into thin rounds.
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and sauté gently until it becomes soft and fragrant.
Add a small splash of water and let it evaporate to prevent the leek from burning.
Stir in the chili pepper and pancetta and cook until the pancetta becomes golden and slightly crispy.
Add the peas and cook for a few minutes.
Pour in the peeled tomatoes, crushing them lightly with a spoon. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
Add the heavy cream and mix well to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
Drain the pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Add grated Parmesan cheese and toss everything together so the pasta becomes fully coated.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
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