Delight in the simplicity of pasta with peas (piselli).
This comforting Italian dish features al dente pasta tossed with sweet peas, garlic, and Parmesan, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Perfect for any pasta lover!
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Pasta with peas, or pasta piselli, is a simple and comforting Italian dish that highlights the sweet, tender peas in a light, flavorful sauce.
This dish typically features al dente pasta tossed with peas, garlic, Extra Virgin olive oil, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Ideal for a quick and healthy dinner, pasta piselli is also great for meal prep, as it can be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the week.
This comforting recipe is beloved for its quick preparation and satisfying taste.
The pasta, usually spaghetti or another long variety, is cooked al dente and then tossed with peas that have been sautéed in olive oil with garlic and a touch of seasoning.
Parmesan cheese often adds a creamy richness to the dish, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Serve it with a side of crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a classic Italian meal. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate simple, wholesome flavors.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for pasta with peas is quick and easy to prepare.
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Light and healthy.
- Kid-friendly and versatile.
- Perfect for vegetarian meals.
- This recipe for pasta with peas is a one pot dish, meaning clean up is a breeze!
- Enjoy this piselli for lunch the next day. It’s perfect for meal prep as you can make it in advance.
Cost To Make
Estimated cost = $2.75 or $0.68 a serve
Ingredients
Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Or another neutral flavored oil, such as vegetable oil.
- Brown Onion: Finely chopped.
- Minced Garlic
- Stock of Choice: Such as vegetable stock or chicken stock.
- Dried Pasta: Such as penne, spirals, bowtie, shells, or fettuccine.
- Salt and Pepper
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated.
- Green Peas: You could use fresh or frozen. If using frozen peas, defrost before use.
Instructions
This recipe for peas and pasta serves 4. The ingredient quantities can easily be adjusted to suit how many serves you need to make.
Step One: Heat oil in a medium sized saucepan over medium to high heat. Once hot, add the chopped brown onion and saute until lightly browned and soft.
Step Two: Next, add in the minced garlic and saute for about 1 minute.
Step Three: Add stock and turn the heat on high. Bring liquid to the boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Four: Add the dried pasta. Cook the pasta for as long as it states on your packet, stirring occasionally.
Some pastas can cook quicker than others. Keep an eye on your pasta as it cooks. You want the pasta to be soft but still have a bit of a bite to it.
If you find that the pasta is drying out before it is cooked, add a bit more stock or water as needed. The pasta should be submerged in water when you first add it to the pot.
Step Five: Once the pasta is cooked, and the liquid has reduced reduce the heat to low and add Parmesan cheese and peas. Stir to combine.
You don’t want your pasta to be too soupy or too dry. Ideally you will still have a bit of liquid once the pasta is cooked.
If you have too much liquid once the pasta is cooked, carefully drain away some of the liquid.
Likewise, if you don’t have enough liquid once the pasta is cooked, add a bit more stock (or water).
Step Six: Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired. Cook for 1 – 2 more minutes or until the peas are heated through.
Turn off heat and serve.
Substitutions / Variations
Here are some variations for this piselli recipe:
- Add bacon or pancetta for extra flavor.
- Include mushrooms for an earthy taste.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Add a splash of cream for richness.
- Incorporate fresh mint or basil.
- Toss in some cherry tomatoes for color.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ways you might like to serve this pasta with peas recipe:
- Pair with a fresh green salad.
- Serve with garlic bread.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to retain moisture.
FAQ
Traditionally, Carbonara does not include peas.
Typically carbonara features pancetta or guanciale, eggs, cheese, and black pepper, creating a creamy sauce without peas.
Peas pair well with mint, bacon, cream, lemon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
They complement dishes like risotto, pasta, salads, and even mashed potatoes, adding sweetness and texture.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below! We'd love to hear how it turned out.
Recipe
Pasta With Peas (Piselli)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Small (90 grams, 3.17 ounces) brown onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon (1-2 cloves) minced garlic
- 4 ½ cups (1125 ml/grams, 39 ounces) stock of choice, vegetable or chicken stock
- 320 grams (11.30 ounces) dried pasta, such as penne, spirals, bowtie, shells
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup (30 grams, 1.06 ounces) Parmesan cheese, finely grated, plus extra to garnish
- 300 grams (10 ounces) green peas, fresh or frozen (if using frozen defrost)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium sized saucepan over medium to high heat. Once hot, add the chopped brown onion and saute until lightly browned and soft.
- Next, add in the minced garlic and saute for about 1 minute.
- Add stock and turn the heat on high. Bring liquid to the boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the dried pasta. Cook the pasta for as long as it states on your packet, stirring occasionally (see note 1).
- Once the pasta is cooked, and the liquid has reduced (see note 2) reduce the heat to low and add Parmesan cheese and peas. Stir to combine.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired. Cook for 1 – 2 more minutes or until the peas are heated through. Turn off heat and serve.
Notes
- Some pastas can cook quicker than others. Keep an eye on your pasta as it cooks. You want the pasta to be soft but still have a bit of a bite to it. If you find that the pasta is drying out before it is cooked, add a bit more stock or water as needed. The pasta should be submerged in water when you first add it to the pot.
- You don’t want your pasta to be too soupy or too dry. Ideally you will still have a bit of liquid once the pasta is cooked. If you have too much liquid once the pasta is cooked, carefully drain away some of the liquid. Likewise, if you don’t have enough liquid once the pasta is cooked, add a bit more stock (or water).
Lorel says
Made this for dinner and had the leftovers for lunch. Was sooo good!