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Make this Italian classic yourself, a fresh and flavorful pasta dish ready in under 30 minutes. Budget friendly and made with pantry staples, this pasta with peas is the perfect weeknight meal!
This dish is a favorite in my house because it’s flavorful, simple, budget friendly, made with pantry staples, and super easy to customize to any taste! It’s perfect to make on weeknights because it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Pasta with Peas is a classic, authentic Italian comfort food that doesn’t have any cream, making it light and comforting.
Ingredients to Make Pasta with Peas
You can get the full list of ingredients with the amounts below, but if you are making a shopping list, here’s that you will need:
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion – finely chopped
- Frozen peas
- Ditalini pasta – or you can use small shells or macaroni
- Water
- Salt, pepper
- Parmigiano Reggiano – or shredded Parmesan
How to Make Pasta with Peas
- Sauté – Saute chopped onion for 5 minutes in a large skillet. Add peas and sauté an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Boil – Add water to skillet and bring to a boil.
- Cook pasta – Add pasta to boiling water in skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes (al dente). Do not overcook. The water and starch from the pasta should thicken and form a thin sauce that coats the pasta.
- Season – Season with salt and pepper and add your cheese.
Flavorful Additions and Variations
There are about a million ways to switch up this pasta to make it your own. Try adding some protein like cooked pancetta, bacon, or shredded chicken to make it a full meal. Add Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor or some lemon juice or zest to add a bright citrus flavor. Throw in a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as fresh basil, parsley, chives, or even mint. For a richer flavor, boil your pasta in chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of water. You can also simply add a little spice with a dash of red pepper flakes. Get creative and put your own twist on it. If you try something new and love it, let us know in the comments. We always love hearing your fun ideas!
What to Serve with Pasta with Peas
This pasta is so versatile and goes well with just about anything. I love it served as a side with protein like grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, or salmon for a more hearty meal. If I’m looking to keep it lighter, I like to serve it with Italian salads like Olive Garden Salad and Caprese Salad with a side of breadsticks or garlic bread. You really can’t go wrong with this pasta. You are going to love it!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This pasta makes a decent amount and I find that a lot of times we will have leftovers. If you are wanting to store leftovers, allow the pasta to fully cool before storing in an airtight container and storing in the refrigerator. To reheat, add a few tablespoons of water or milk to a skillet and heat up your pasta in the skillet. Add a splash of olive oil to keep the pasta from sticking to the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta with Peas
You can also use shells or just plain macaroni noodles.
No, the peas will cook in the skillet as well as in the boiling water.
Yes, fresh peas can be used in place of frozen peas. If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes until tender before adding them to the skillet to cook with the dish. This will ensure they are cooked properly and still retain their vibrant color.
More Super Easy Pasta Recipes
Chicken Artichoke Pasta
Spaghetti Casserole
Creamy Carbonara
Short Rib Ragu
Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Sausage Pasta Bake
Baked Feta Pasta
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Pasta with Peas
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion very finely chopped
- 1 pound frozen peas
- 1 pound ditalini pasta (you can also use small shell pasta)
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
- 1/3 cup fresh grated parmigiano reggiano (or shredded parmesan cheese)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion in olive oil until soft for about 5 minutes. Add peas and sauté another 2-3 minutes.
- Add 4 cups water to skillet and bring to a boil.
- Add pasta and salt and cook, stirring often for 6-8 minutes or until pasta is al dente (you want a bit of a bite to it). Pasta varieties, sizes, and quality can vary greatly so the best way to check for doneness is by simply trying it every minute after about 5 minutes. Do not overcook!The water and starch from the pasta should thicken together to form a thin sauce that coats the pasta nicely.
- Season with pepper to taste. Remove from heat and add shredded parmigiano reggiano. Stir until thickened. Add more salt and pepper if needed, to taste before serving. Garnish with more cheese on top (optional).
I cooked a bunch of green onions (about 8) and celery (1 cup),1 clove garlic, and an 8 oz. package of mushrooms before I added the pasta and served it with chopped shrimp on top. Also added parsley, dill, garlic powder, and lemon juice to the veggies after they were cooked and stirred in the 1/2 cup eachasiago cheese and half&half at the end. I would cook the pasta separately next time!
All your additions sound tasty!
We had this growing up. We were a large family and my mother stretched our food budget. She added a can of crushed tomatoes and seasonings to the recipe. Often, she used different pastas.
I enjoyed making this dish and my family loved it and my grandchildren really love it because of the added cheese and small pasta I used.
Thanks for a easy no fuss and healthy.
Sandra S. – Louisiana
You’re welcome!