The Best Pasta and Peas Recipe

Why This Pasta and Peas Recipe Will Win Your Heart

It all started in my grandmother’s kitchen. The smell of garlic sizzling in olive oil filled the air, and the soft bubbling of simmering pasta and peas was like a comforting melody. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps just a simple, pasta and peas recipe passed down for generations.

I remember sitting at the kitchen table, impatiently watching as she stirred the pot, her hands moving effortlessly as if she had made this dish a thousand times (which she probably had). She would always say:

That’s exactly why I’m sharing this pasta and peas recipe with you today. It’s warm, creamy, and satisfying yet ridiculously easy to make. Whether you need a quick meal for a busy night or want to impress your family with a true Italian classic, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Now, let’s get into the details and make some magic happen!

Ingredients for Pasta and Peas Recipe

Before we jump into the step-by-step process, here’s what you’ll need. The exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

📝 Main Ingredients:

• Pasta (Ditalini or any small pasta)
• Green peas (fresh or frozen)
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Onion
• Parmesan cheese
• Vegetable broth or water
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pasta and Peas Recipe

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

This first step lays the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it!

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, stirring until they become golden and fragrant.
3. Pour in a bit of vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to get all that delicious flavor mixed in.

Step 2: Cooking the Pasta and Peas Together

Here’s where the magic happens! Unlike traditional pasta dishes, where the pasta is boiled separately, this recipe lets the pasta cook directly in the broth for a creamier texture.

1. Add peas to the pot and stir them in with the onions and garlic.
2. Pour in the pasta, followed by enough vegetable broth or water to cover it.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a simmer.
4. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and absorbs most of the liquid.

Nutritional Values of Pasta and Peas Recipe

Common Problems & How to Fix Them

🔴 Why is my pasta and peas too watery?
✅ Let it simmer longer to reduce excess liquid or stir in a bit of Parmesan to thicken.

🔴 How do I make it more flavorful?
✅ Use homemade vegetable broth and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra depth.

🔴 Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
✅ Absolutely! Just add them towards the end to prevent overcooking.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Pasta and Peas Recipe

Want to take your pasta and peas recipe to the next level? Here are a few expert tricks to enhance flavor and texture.

1. Choosing the Right Type of Pasta

The best pasta for this dish is small and compact, allowing it to absorb the flavors. Here are the top choices:

• Ditalini (the classic choice)
• Orzo (for a lighter texture)
• Small shells (to trap the peas inside)

2. How to Get a Creamy Texture Without Cream

One of the best things about this pasta and peas recipe is its naturally creamy consistency. Here’s how to achieve it:

• Let the pasta cook directly in the broth to release starches.
• Mash a few peas with the back of a spoon for extra creaminess.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese right before serving for a silky finish.

3. Adjusting the Recipe for Dietary Preferences

• Vegan? Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Low-carb? Swap pasta for zucchini noodles.
• High-protein? Add grilled chicken or pancetta for a meaty twist.

How to Store and Reheat Pasta and Peas

This dish tastes just as good the next day! Here’s how to store it properly.

Refrigeration (Up to 4 Days)

• Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing (Up to 2 Months)

• Portion into individual servings for easy reheating.
• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheating Without Losing Creaminess

• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water and warm over medium heat, stirring gently.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to maintain consistency.

Variations of Pasta and Peas Recipe

Want to switch things up? Here are some creative twists to try!

Vegan and Dairy-Free Version

• Use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Replace butter with olive oil for a plant-based finish.

Protein-Packed Version

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra protein.
• Stir in chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly protein boost.

Gluten-Free Pasta and Peas Alternative

• Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas.
• Swap pasta for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Pasta and Peas

Want to make this a full meal? Pair your pasta and peas recipe with these delicious sides:

Pasta and Peas Recipe Video – Watch and Learn

Want a step-by-step visual guide? Check out pasta and peas recipe videos online for an easy-to-follow demonstration.

Where to Find the Best Recipe Video

• YouTube
• Italian cooking blogs
• Instagram & Pinterest

Explore More Delicious Recipes

• Kate Heintzelman Taco Lasagna Recipe
• Creamy & Delicious Boursin Pasta
• Quick & Easy Boursin Cheese Pasta

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Pasta and Peas Recipe Today

This pasta and peas recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a taste of tradition. It’s:
✅ Quick and easy
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Comforting and delicious
✅ Perfect for meal prep

So, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! Tag us when you make it—we’d love to see your creations.

Happy cooking with Rita Chef ❤️!

The Best Pasta and Peas Recipe

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• Author: Rita
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This classic pasta and peas recipe is creamy, comforting, and easy to make in just 30 minutes. With simple ingredients like pasta, peas, garlic, and Parmesan, this dish delivers rich flavor and authentic Italian tradition in every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, it’s a satisfying dish the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

Pasta (Ditalini or small pasta)
Green peas (fresh or frozen)
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Onion (chopped)
Vegetable broth or water
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Salt
Black pepper

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
Add chopped onions and garlic stirring until golden and fragrant
Pour in a small amount of vegetable broth to deglaze the pot
Add peas and stir to combine with the onions and garlic
Pour in the pasta followed by enough vegetable broth or water to cover
Season with salt and pepper and bring to a gentle simmer
Let cook stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and absorbs most of the liquid
Turn off heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy consistency
Let sit for 2 minutes before serving warm

Notes

For extra creaminess mash some peas with the back of a spoon before serving
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version
For added protein stir in cooked chicken or crispy pancetta
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pot Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Pasta and Peas Recipe Peas and Pasta Italian Pasta with Peas