This Pasta e Piselli dish is a classic Italian recipe that combines the simplicity of pasta and peas with a creamy texture that's hard to resist. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious and satisfying.
When you want a quick, delicious meal without a trip to the store, pasta e piselli is your answer. This dish, made from simple ingredients like frozen peas, onion, and pasta, is a perfect blend of convenience and flavor.
If you're a fan of this recipe, I recommend trying out my Pasta Alla Foriana, another delicious Italian pasta, or my easy vegan lemon pasta, a light take on the traditional Pasta al Limone.
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Why This Is The Best Pasta E Piselli Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This pasta e piselli recipe is a cinch to make. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Classic Flavors: The combination of pasta, peas, and a creamy sauce is a timeless Italian classic that never fails to satisfy.
- Comfort Food: There's something incredibly comforting about a bowl of pasta, and this recipe is Italian comfort food at its finest. It’s somewhere between soup and pasta and tastes incredible.
- Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe is kind to your wallet without compromising on flavor.
Key Ingredients
Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
- Pasta: The main component of this dish, pasta provides a hearty base and absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. I recommend going with a short pasta for this classic recipe.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with its unique, aromatic flavor.
- Frozen Peas: These add a pop of color and a sweet, fresh flavor to the dish.
- Vegetable Broth: This forms the base of the sauce, adding a rich, savory flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce a creamy, rich texture. For a vegan option, you can substitute with non-dairy cream.
- Shredded Cheese: This is used for serving and adds a delicious, melty finish to the dish. You can use Parmesan cheese for a sharper flavor or mozzarella for a milder, creamier finish.
How to Make Pasta E Piselli
Making this incredible pasta e piselli recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
Cook your pasta - Select a small pasta such as ditalini pasta or small shells. Follow the package instructions to boil the pasta until it's al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside for later.
Sauté onions and garlic - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add in peas - Add the peas into the skillet and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmer with broth - Pour in your vegetable broth, bringing it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and meld together.
Mash some peas - Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, gently mash some of the peas. This helps to release their flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
Stir in cream and seasoning - Add in the heavy cream, along with salt and pepper to your liking. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine pasta and sauce - Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until it's well coated. Let it cook for an additional minute, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
Serve hot - Remove your skillet from the heat and serve your pasta e piselli hot. Top each serving with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
Tips For Making the Best Pasta E Piselli
- Choose the right pasta: For a traditional pasta e piselli, Italians often use small pasta like ditalini pasta or small shells. These types of pasta are perfect for this dish as they can easily scoop up the peas and sauce.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Always boil the pasta until it's al dente. This means it should still have a bit of bite to it. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its shape, which isn't ideal for this pasta dish.
- Use frozen or fresh peas: The best part about this recipe is that it works with both frozen and fresh peas. If you have access to fresh peas, use them for a more authentic and vibrant flavor, especially during late spring when they’re in season.
Serving Suggestions
- For a light, yet satisfying lunch, serve your pasta e piselli with a side of mixed greens tossed in a simple vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad perfectly compliments the creamy pasta dish.
- Want to add protein? Try topping your pasta e piselli with some baked chicken or sautéed shrimp. The added protein will make this dish even more filling and delicious.
- For a cozy, romantic dinner, pair this classic Italian pasta with peas dish with a glass of your favorite white wine. The crispness of the wine cuts through the creaminess of the pasta, making for a balanced meal. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Recipe Variation Ideas
- Pancetta: If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, this variation is for you. Simply add a half cup of diced pancetta to the skillet with the onions and garlic. The pancetta will add a savory depth to the pasta e piselli that is truly irresistible.
- Pecorino Romano: For cheese lovers, this variation is a must-try. Substitute the shredded cheese with Pecorino Romano cheese. This Italian cheese will give your pasta dish a sharp, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the peas.
- Bacon: If you're a bacon lover, you can enhance the flavor by adding a half cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the pasta. This will give your pasta e piselli a smoky, hearty flavor that is sure to please.
- Fresh Herbs: If you love the refreshing flavor of herbs, try adding a handful of fresh parsley or basil to the pasta. This will give your pasta e piselli a fresh, vibrant flavor that is perfect for a summer meal.
- Prosciutto: For a gourmet twist, try adding thin slices of prosciutto to your pasta e piselli. The prosciutto will add a sophisticated, salty flavor that will elevate your pasta dish to a whole new level.
Frequently Asked Questions
For this classic Italian pasta with peas recipe, small pasta like ditalini pasta or small shells works best. They are small enough to mix well with the peas and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Absolutely! While I often use frozen peas for convenience, you can definitely use fresh peas if they're available. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as fresh peas may take a bit longer to cook.
Yes, you can make this pasta dish vegan by substituting the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream. Also, skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative for serving.
To thicken the sauce, you can mash some of the peas with a potato masher or the back of a fork. This releases their flavors and helps to thicken the sauce slightly.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: After enjoying your delicious pasta e piselli, you might have some leftovers. Don't worry, you can store this classic Italian pasta with peas in the refrigerator. Simply place the leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat Instructions: When you're ready to enjoy your pasta dish again, reheating is a cinch. Just transfer the pasta from the fridge to a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave until it's warmed through.
- Freeze: Unfortunately, this pasta with peas recipe doesn't freeze well. The small pasta, whether you use ditalini pasta or small shells, tends to become mushy when thawed and reheated. For the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to enjoy your pasta e piselli fresh or within a few days from the fridge.
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Recipe
Easy Pasta e Piselli (Italian Pasta with Peas)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or substitute with non-dairy cream for a vegan option
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese such as Parmesan or mozzarella for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, gently mash some of the peas to release their flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until it's well coated. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Remove from heat and serve the pasta e piselli hot. Top each serving with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
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