Description
This perfect pasta and peas recipe combines simple ingredients for a comforting and nutritious meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy a flavorful and easy pasta dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, fresh parsley
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add salt to the boiling water. Pour in the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the frozen peas to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the peas are tender and heated through. Ensure the peas are evenly distributed.
- Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the peas mixture.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh peas can be used seasonally.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is ideal for texture.
- Reserve pasta water to help create a creamy sauce that binds the dish.
- Adjust seasoning to your liking; taste and add salt, pepper, and spices as needed.
- For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon.
- For a vegetarian option, add tofu or tempeh.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Try using Pecorino Romano or ricotta salata instead of Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: pasta and peas, pasta with peas, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta, quick pasta dinner, pea pasta, italian pasta recipe