Easy Pasta and Peas Recipe
This classic Italian pasta and peas recipe combines tender pasta and sweet peas in a silky Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this budget-friendly dish transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
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Servings: 5
Calories: 385kcal
Cost: $9
Equipment
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- □ 1 pound 16 oz pasta (ditalini, shells, or penne)
- □ 2 cups fresh or frozen green peas
- □ 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- □ 1 medium onion finely chopped
- □ 3 cloves garlic minced
- □ ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- □ ½ cup heavy cream or pasta water for lighter version
- □ Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- □ Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for pasta.
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, cook until soft (5 mins).
- Add minced garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Add peas in last 3 minutes.
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Add pasta and peas to skillet with onion mixture.
- Stir in cream (or pasta water) and Parmesan.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results
- Save pasta water – helps create silky sauce
- For al dente pasta, cook 1 minute less than package states
Nutrition
Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 288mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 510IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 165mg | Iron: 2.4mg