Italian Rice and Peas
Transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy with this comforting Italian Rice and Peas recipe, a timeless blend of creamy Arborio rice, sweet peas, and savory Parmesan cheese. Perfectly cooked in a rich broth, this dish showcases classic Italian cooking techniques like the gradual ladling method, resulting in a velvety, risotto-like texture. Aromatic sautéed onions and a touch of butter infuse each bite with richness, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of vibrant flavor. Ready in just 35 minutes and made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s an elegant yet easy option for a light main course or a complementary side dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, this Italian comfort food will quickly become a favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 cup Fresh or frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
- 1 small (finely chopped) Onion
- 4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (chopped, optional) Parsley
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, warm the chicken or vegetable broth over low heat. Keep it warm but not boiling.
In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb some of the oil and butter.
Ladle 1/2 cup of the warm broth into the rice mixture and stir continuously until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Continue adding the broth, 1/2 cup at a time, while stirring frequently. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 18-20 minutes.
When the rice is almost tender and creamy, stir in the peas and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the peas are tender and bright green.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness, if desired.
Serve hot as a light main dish or as a side to your favorite Italian entrée.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1044 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.8 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.0 g | 105% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 76 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 4961 mg | 216% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 96.2 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.2 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.9 g | ||
| Protein | 36.8 g | 74% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 584 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 829 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
