Pasta and Peas
Indulge in the comforting simplicity of Pasta and Peas, a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that balances rich flavors with minimal effort. This Italian-inspired dish combines tender pasta—like ditalini, shells, or elbows—with sweet, vibrant peas in a velvety sauce made from garlic, onion, chicken or vegetable broth, and a luscious blend of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The dish comes together in just 30 minutes, enhanced by the perfect touch of olive oil, butter, and an optional garnish of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Ideal for busy evenings but elegant enough for entertaining, Pasta and Peas is a creamy, family-friendly favorite that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Try this easy pasta recipe today for a warm, comforting meal that everyone will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta (such as ditalini, shell, or elbow)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce. Gradually add splashes of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1666 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 108.0 g | 138% | |
| Saturated Fat | 51.2 g | 256% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 222 mg | 74% | |
| Sodium | 3963 mg | 172% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 124.8 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.2 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.1 g | ||
| Protein | 45.1 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 561 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 750 mg | 16% | |
*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.
