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Creamy Pasta and Peas Recipe served in a blue bowl, featuring rigatoni pasta, sweet green peas, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. A simple and delicious comfort food dish perfect for a quick meal.

Easy Pasta and Peas Recipe

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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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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

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

Equipment

  • Large pot for cooking pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for pasta.
  2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, cook until soft (5 mins).
  3. Add minced garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Cook pasta according to package directions. Add peas in last 3 minutes.
  5. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  6. Add pasta and peas to skillet with onion mixture.
  7. Stir in cream (or pasta water) and Parmesan.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 245mgPotassium: 288mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 510IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 165mgIron: 2.4mg

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

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