Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Budget-Friendly – Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
- One-Pot Meal – Less cleanup and hassle.
- Customizable – Easily adaptable with different ingredients or add-ins.
- Comforting and Nutritious – A light yet satisfying dish packed with flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (typically ditalini or small pasta)
- Green peas (fresh or frozen)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Sauté the aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add the peas – Stir in the green peas and cook for a couple of minutes, letting them absorb the flavors.
- Cook the pasta – Add the pasta directly to the pot, followed by the broth. Stir occasionally and let the pasta cook in the broth, absorbing all the flavors.
- Season and finish – Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy texture.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Creamy Version – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or extra Parmesan for a richer texture.
- Protein Boost – Add cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Vegan-Friendly – Use vegetable broth and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
- Spicy Kick – Add more red pepper flakes or a touch of chili oil.
- Different Pasta – Try small shell pasta, orzo, or even broken spaghetti.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the pasta. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the pasta can become too soft when reheated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas?
Yes! No need to thaw them—just add them directly to the pot.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti work well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but the pasta may absorb the broth over time. Add more liquid when reheating.
How do I make this dish more filling?
You can add cooked chicken, pancetta, or a poached egg for extra protein.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth and skip any meat additions.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Why is my pasta sticking together?
Stir occasionally while cooking and add a bit of olive oil if needed.
Can I use canned peas?
Fresh or frozen peas are recommended, but canned peas can work if rinsed and added late in the cooking process.
What can I serve with Pasta e Piselli?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement it well.
How can I make it creamier?
Stir in more Parmesan, a touch of cream, or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
Conclusion
Pasta e Piselli is a comforting and easy Italian dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and delicious flavors, it’s a go-to meal for busy days. Whether you keep it traditional or add your own twist, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own kitchen!
PrintPasta e Piselli
This Pasta e Piselli is a simple yet flavorful Italian dish featuring tender pasta and sweet green peas cooked in a light, savory broth. Ready in just 25 minutes, this budget-friendly one-pot meal is comforting, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a creamy finish!
- Prep Time: 5min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 25min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups ditalini pasta (or small pasta of choice)
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics – In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 3 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
2️⃣ Add Peas – Stir in the peas and cook for 2 minutes, letting them absorb the flavors.
3️⃣ Cook Pasta – Add the pasta to the pot along with the broth. Stir occasionally and let the pasta cook, absorbing the flavorful liquid (about 10-12 minutes).
4️⃣ Season & Finish – Stir in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix in grated Parmesan for a creamy texture.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving. Enjoy warm!
