Pasta e Piselli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pasta e Piselli is a wonderfully simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty but not too heavy. The sweetness of the peas pairs perfectly with the rich, garlicky broth, while the Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, umami-packed finish. This dish is quick to make, taking just 40 minutes from start to finish, and it’s packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal for any time of day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ½ cups dried pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Heat the Oil: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat for about 1 minute.
2. Cook the Onion: Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion to the pot. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot with the onion. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
4. Add the Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
5. Cook the Pasta: Once the broth is boiling, add the dried pasta to the pot. Stir the pasta to ensure it’s fully submerged in the broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes, or as per the package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add the Peas: When the pasta is nearly done, add the frozen peas to the pot. Stir the peas into the pasta and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.
7. Season the Dish: Season the dish with salt and black pepper, stirring to combine evenly.
8. Finish the Sauce: Remove the pot from the heat once the pasta is tender and the peas are fully cooked. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
9. Garnish and Serve: Chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the pasta just before serving. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Rest time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Pasta e Piselli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. For the best texture, try to consume it fresh, as the pasta can absorb the broth over time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta shape you like, such as elbow macaroni, ditalini, or farfalle. You can even use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Absolutely! For an extra layer of flavor, you can swap vegetable broth for chicken broth, which will give the dish a richer, more savory taste.

How can I make this dish creamier?

To make the dish creamier, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk towards the end of cooking. This will create a luscious, velvety texture in the broth.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Fresh peas can be used in place of frozen peas. Just be sure to add them towards the end of cooking, as they cook more quickly than frozen peas.

How can I add more flavor to this dish?

If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add an extra clove of garlic. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Pasta e Piselli ahead of time. Simply cook it as instructed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stove before serving.

Can I freeze Pasta e Piselli?

While it’s not ideal to freeze pasta-based dishes because the texture of the pasta can change, you can freeze the pea sauce mixture (without the pasta) and then cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.

How can I make this a more filling meal?

To make it more filling, you can add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even beans for added protein. This would turn it into a more substantial main dish.

Conclusion

Pasta e Piselli is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that showcases the beauty of Italian comfort food. The combination of tender pasta, sweet peas, and a rich, garlicky broth is easy to make and perfectly satisfying. With a dash of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this dish transforms into a creamy, hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Try this recipe today for a taste of authentic, comforting Italian cuisine!

Pasta e Piselli

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Pasta e Piselli is a classic Italian dish featuring tender pasta, sweet peas, and a rich, garlicky broth, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a comforting, flavorful meal.

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups dried pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups vegetable broth

2 cups frozen peas

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Add the dried pasta and stir to ensure it’s fully submerged in the broth. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. When the pasta is almost done, add the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.
6. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
7. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the broth becomes creamy.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

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Notes

You can use any small pasta shape such as elbow macaroni, ditalini, or farfalle. Gluten-free pasta is also an option.

Chicken broth can be used instead of vegetable broth for a richer taste.

For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or milk towards the end of cooking.

Fresh peas can replace frozen peas, but add them later in the cooking process as they cook faster.

For added flavor, try adding red pepper flakes, extra garlic, or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 10mg