🍽️Pasta e Piselli (Pasta and Peas)

Prep: 5 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 20 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy

This traditional Italian comfort food recipe is perfect for tired weeknight cooking, requiring minimal prep and just one pot for easy cleanup. Recipe by Petra Atanasova from Sunglow Kitchen.

Original source ↗

⏱ Prep: 5 min · 🔥 Cook: 15 min · 🍽 Serves: 4 · 📊 Easy

A comforting one-pot Italian pasta dish featuring peas in a creamy sauce created by pasta starches, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

🥬 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups (300g) frozen peas
2.5 cups (625ml) total vegetable broth
230g (8 oz) pasta (short variety like ditalini or small shells)
to taste salt
to taste black pepper

For Serving

to taste Parmesan cheese, grated
from 1/2 lemon lemon juice

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn.
Add the frozen peas to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to thaw and brighten in color.
Pour in 1/2 cup (125ml) of vegetable broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to partially cook the peas and create a flavorful base.
Add the pasta and remaining 2 cups (500ml) of vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium and cook, stirring frequently.
Continue cooking for 12-15 minutes or according to pasta package directions, stirring regularly to prevent sticking and to release the pasta starches that will create a creamy sauce.
Once pasta is al dente and most liquid has been absorbed, season with salt and black pepper to taste. The mixture should be creamy but not dry.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

💡 Tips & Variations

Use short pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or elbows that will cook evenly with the peas and hold the creamy sauce well
Don't skip the frequent stirring - this releases the starches that create the naturally creamy texture without adding cream
Fresh peas can be substituted for frozen, but may need an extra minute or two of cooking time

📝 Personal Notes

Add your tweaks, ratings, and observations after making this recipe.

Source: Instagram