Pasta & Peas (Pasta e Piselli)
Pasta & Peas, or Pasta e Piselli, is a classic Italian comfort dish made with tender pasta, sweet green peas, and savory onion in a light, creamy Parmesan sauce. This one-pot meal is quick, budget-friendly, and made with pantry staples—perfect for busy weeknights or simple vegetarian dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1½ cups peas frozen
- 2½ cups small pasta uncooked
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- pinch red pepper flakes crushed
- fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and golden.
- Stir in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until it smells fragrant—don’t let it brown.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Add the pasta and cook uncovered for 7–10 minutes, stirring often. Most of the broth should be absorbed, and the pasta should be just tender. If it dries out too quickly, add a splash of hot water.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a little crushed red pepper if you like heat.
- Toss in the frozen peas and let them cook for about 2 minutes, just until warmed through.
- Mix in the grated cheese and stir until everything is creamy and blended.
- Serve right away, topped with extra cheese and chopped parsley if you like.
Notes
Chef Jenn's Tips
- Stick with small pasta shapes—they cook evenly and help create that silky sauce.
- Stir frequently so the pasta doesn’t stick and the broth thickens naturally.
- Don’t skip the cheese—it helps bring everything together.
- For a richer texture, add a small pat of butter when you stir in the cheese.
- To keep it vegan, use a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely.
Nutrition
Serving: 2cupsCalories: 199kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 7gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 698mgPotassium: 189mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 644IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 1mg
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
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