Pasta and peas, or pasta e piselli as it’s known in Italy, is one of those humble dishes that perfectly embodies the essence of Italian home cooking. It’s simple, nourishing, and full of flavor without relying on complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. This dish originated in the southern regions of Italy, where resourceful cooks transformed pantry staples into hearty meals that could feed the whole family. Today, pasta and peas remains a beloved comfort food, cherished for its creamy texture and gentle sweetness.
The key to this dish lies in its simplicity. All you need are a few basic ingredients: short pasta, green peas, olive oil, onion, and Parmesan cheese. Some families add pancetta or prosciutto for a savory touch, while others keep it vegetarian and rely on garlic, herbs, and a bit of pepper for depth. No matter how it’s prepared, the peas add a delicate sweetness that balances beautifully with the savory base. The starchy water from the pasta acts as a natural thickener, binding everything together into a silky, cohesive dish.
Cooking the pasta directly with the peas in one pot is what makes this recipe so special. As the pasta cooks, it absorbs the flavor of the peas and broth, creating a rich sauce without the need for cream or butter. The final touch is a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a generous handful of grated Parmesan, which gives the dish its signature creamy finish.
Pasta and peas is the perfect example of how Italian cuisine celebrates simplicity. It’s quick to prepare, ready in under thirty minutes, and works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for a comforting Sunday meal. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or a crisp arugula salad on the side. With every spoonful, you’ll taste the warmth of tradition and the beauty of uncomplicated cooking. This dish reminds us that the best meals often come from the simplest combinations, made with love and care at home.
Ingredients
- 200 grams pasta any type you prefer
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and pepper
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 minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the peas to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the peas and garlic until everything is combined and heated through.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Me and my kids loved it! I used fresh peas instead of frozen, and it was so good!
That sounds great! Fresh peas must have added a nice crunch. I’ll have to try that next time!
I dunno, fresh peas? I always use frozen, aren’t they like, the same?
I dunno, was kinda bland. Thought it would be more tasty with some spices or something.
Pasta n’ peas? That’s a weird combo, but it actually worked. Who knew? 3 stars!
Weird combo? I dunno, pasta and peas is classic! But hey, at least you tried it! 🤷
I thought the same when I saw it! But it’s actually really good! Gonna try it again for sure! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Super easy and fast! Perfect for a weeknight dinner. I added some chicken too. Yum!
Why do u need parmesan? It didn’t make it better. Just use cheddar instead.
This was a delightful recipe! The garlic and parmesan really elevated the dish. Will make again!
Wow, so yum! I shook some red pepper flakes on top and it was 🔥.
This was super easy and quick! I loved it. Just perfect for a weeknight dinner.
I don’t get why this is so popular. The recipe seems too simple and bland to me.
Tasted good, but I used frozen garlic instead of fresh. Did I mess it up? 🤔
My kids loved it! I added some chicken breast for protein. Will make again!!
I made this but forgot the cheese and it was still okay. Could use more flavor tho.
Sounds like you made a valiant effort! Maybe next time try adding some herbs or spices for more flavor. 😊