Creamy Carrot, Pea, and Tarragon Pasta

Name: Creamy Carrot, Pea, and Tarragon Pasta
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: 12 oz. orecchiette or other short pasta; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 4 slices bacon, chopped; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 3 carrots, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 c. frozen peas; 1 c. heavy cream; 2 tsp. lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon

Kids will love this creamy pasta dish and parents will love that it’s full of veggies.

By Charlyne MattoxPublished: Mar 10, 2026

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Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living

Yields:

4 serving(s)

Prep Time:

45 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Sweet carrots, bright peas, and fresh tarragon bring a little lift to this cozy, creamy pasta. Crispy bacon adds savory depth, while lemon zest keeps everything tasting fresh and bright. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but still vibrant, and it comes together in just 45 minutes.

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Ingredients

12 oz. orecchiette or other short pasta
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup heavy cream
2 tsp. lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon

Directions

1. Step 1Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2. Step 2Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Add onion to skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until almost tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add carrots and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until carrots are crisp tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Add peas and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and cream is slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Step 3Add pasta to carrot mixture and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until pasta is coated (add pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if needed to make sauce), 1 to 3 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and juice, tarragon, and bacon. Serve immediately.