Pasta with Peas (Pasta e Piselli)

Steps

1. Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined plate, keeping the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Add the onion, salt, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Sauté a few minutes until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the peas and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Pour half the peas into a blender; set the remaining peas aside in a bowl.
5. Fill the pot with 4 cups hot water and a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, and cook the pasta according to package directions.
6. Add 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to the blender with the peas and blend until creamy.
7. When the pasta is 3 minutes from being done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
8. Return the pasta to the pot and add the pea puree, reserved whole peas, and parmesan cheese. Stir, adding more pasta water as needed for a silky, creamy sauce.
9. Simmer, stirring, for 1-2 minutes to finish cooking. Season to taste.
10. Serve immediately topped with crumbled bacon and extra parmesan cheese.