Pasta e Piselli, also known as pasta with peas, is a classic Italian dish that is simple yet full of flavor. The tender pasta, creamy sauce, and tasty vegetables are always a hit for kids and adults alike. If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner option, this recipe is perfect for you!
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My family loves pasta dishes, especially ones with Mediterranean flair. They are always flavorful and fairly easy for me to make with simple ingredients that are already at home.
Plus, one-pot meals are one of my favorite ways to get dinner on the table quickly on a busy weeknight. Who doesn't love fewer dishes to wash? This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is another one-pot meal I like to make when I need dinner on the table quickly.
Ingredients for this Italian Pasta
Ingredient notes
- Pasta - I like to use ditalini pasta, but you can use any small shaped pasta that you have on hand.
- Oil - I like to use extra virgin olive oil for Italian recipes like this one.
- Onion - When it comes to cooking, I think a yellow onion works best.
- Seasonings - You will need salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes from your spice cabinet.
- Water - This is to help cook your pasta. You can use chicken instead for even more flavor.
- Peas - Frozen peas work well in this recipe.
- Cheese - I like to use freshly grated parmesan cheese, pecorino could also work.
Pasta e Piselli
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry ditalini pasta or any small pasta
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 cups water
- 1 lb frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to your liking
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese or you can use pecorino cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, pour olive oil and saute onion for 3 minutes or until tender and fragrant, do not brown.
- Add the red pepper flakes and cook for another 1 minute then pour water over and stir in frozen peas and season with salt bring to a boil.
- When mixture boils take some of the peas out in a small plate and mash with a fork. Or you can mash some against the wall of the pot.
- Stir in ditalini pasta and reduce heat to medium.
- Cook pasta stirring frequently and add more water if necessary but be careful not to add too much.
- Once everything cooks, remove pot from heat and stir in the cheese.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving with an extra drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition
How to make pasta e pesilli
In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil then add chopped onions and saute for 3 minutes or until tender and fragrant, do not brown.
Add in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 1 minute. Pour water over and stir in frozen peas. Season with salt, bring everything to a boil.
When the mixture boils and peas soften a bit, take some of the peas out on a small plate and mash with a fork. Or you can mash some against the wall of the pot.
Stir in ditalini pasta and reduce heat to medium. Cook pasta, stirring frequently, and add more water if necessary, but be careful not to add too much.
Once everything cooks, remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheese. Taste to adjust seasoning before serving with an extra drizzle of olive oil.
Variations to try
- Add Protein - Want to make this dish heartier? You can toss in some cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or even shrimp. They all pair beautifully with the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Adjust the Spice - If you love a little extra heat, don't hold back on the crushed red pepper flakes! Or, if you prefer a milder flavor, simply leave them out.
Amira's tips
- I prefer to use frozen peas because they are easy to find and budget-friendly. If you can find fresh peas at your local grocery store, you can use those as well, keeping in mind that cooking time will need to be adjusted. However, I recommend that you avoid canned peas, as they tend to be mushy and less vibrant.
- Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks to ensure it remains al dente. Overcooked pasta can lose its texture and make the dish overly soft.
- Before draining the pasta, scoop out a cup of the pasta water. The starchy water is fantastic for adjusting the consistency of the sauce and binding everything together beautifully if needed.
- Taste the dish as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
How to store and reheat
Store pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating with a splash of water over medium heat until heated. You can also microwave it for about 1-2 minutes..
How to Make Ahead
This meal is best enjoyed freshly made. It does reheat well, so you can make it the day before and reheat it when ready to serve. Just add a small amount of water or broth to help thin the sauce back out.
Serving suggestions
I love to serve easy pasta recipes like this with a fresh green side salad like Tabouli or this Panera Bread Greek Salad. And, you can't have pasta with a simple bread side like this Air Fryer Garlic Bread or these Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks.
More easy pasta recipes
Does your family love pasta recipes as much as mine does? If so, you're going to want to try this Baked Feta Pasta, Ditalini Pasta Salad, or this Creamy Pasta Bake. They all make great meals for your family.
Such a simple and amazing pasta recipe, and that's my friend's, the beauty of Italian pasta. I hope you'll give it a try.
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