If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the Italian countryside, then the Pasta e Piselli Recipe is exactly what you need. This humble yet utterly satisfying dish combines tender pasta and sweet peas in a flavorful broth, enriched with garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese. It’s comfort food that’s both simple and delicious—a perfect meal that captures the essence of home cooking in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Pasta e Piselli Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced dish that’s hearty, fresh, and full of texture and color.
- 1 ½ cups dried pasta: Choose a small shape to perfectly marry with the peas and broth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps gently cook the aromatics.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness that forms the flavor base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a fragrant punch that elevates the dish.
- 3 cups vegetable broth: Creates the flavorful cooking liquid, making the pasta soft and saucy.
- 2 cups frozen peas: These add vibrant color and a sweet pop to the pasta.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out all the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the dish, giving a creamy texture and umami richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with a fresh herbaceous note.
How to Make Pasta e Piselli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another couple of minutes until fragrant—this step builds the heart of the dish’s flavor.
Step 2: Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the dried pasta, giving it a quick stir to ensure it’s fully covered by the broth. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the pasta cook, uncovered, for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This method allows the pasta to absorb the broth’s flavor as it cooks.
Step 3: Stir in the Peas and Season
When the pasta is nearly tender, toss in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the peas are warmed through and tender. Season the whole pot with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your taste for the perfect balance.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This melts into the broth, creating an irresistibly creamy sauce that clings to the pasta and peas. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish just before serving.
How to Serve Pasta e Piselli Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley bring color, flavor, and a sense of occasion to this rustic dish. For a little twist, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few cracked black peppercorns adds that final touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple side of roasted seasonal vegetables. Crusty bread also makes a great accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any lingering broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family twist, serve the Pasta e Piselli Recipe in individual bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley. Or, plate it elegantly by swirling the pasta into a nest and garnishing with microgreens and a lemon wedge for brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta and peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish will thicken as the starches absorb more liquid, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if stored promptly. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and adding a bit of broth or water if the pasta seems too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat to maintain the delicate texture of the pasta and peas.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas work wonderfully in this recipe. Just add them a little earlier in the cooking process to ensure they become tender without losing their bright color.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal since they blend harmoniously with the peas and broth, making every bite balanced and comforting.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian if you use vegetable broth and Parmesan cheese made without animal rennet. It can also be adapted for vegan diets by skipping the cheese or using a vegan alternative.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety to enjoy the same delightful flavors without the gluten.
How can I make the dish creamier?
Adding extra Parmesan cheese or stirring in a spoonful of cream toward the end can create a richer, creamier texture if you prefer a more indulgent version.
Final Thoughts
Making the Pasta e Piselli Recipe is like discovering a treasure of simple, soulful Italian cooking. It’s nourishing, vibrant, and comforting all at once. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy its humble charm as much as I do, sharing it around your table for a meal filled with warmth and joy.
Print
Pasta e Piselli Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pasta e Piselli is a comforting Italian classic featuring tender pasta cooked directly in a flavorful vegetable broth with sweet peas, garlic, and onion, finished with creamy Parmesan and fresh parsley. This one-pot dish is quick and simple, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dried pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Dairy
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the pot: Place a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Heat the olive oil: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot and let it warm for about 1 minute until shimmering.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the hot oil. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, developing a sweet aroma.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook with the onion for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add vegetable broth and bring to boil: Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth, raising the heat to high until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Add pasta: Once boiling, add 1 ½ cups of dried pasta to the pot, stirring to ensure the pasta is fully submerged and won’t stick together.
- Simmer pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add peas: When the pasta is nearly tender, stir in 2 cups of frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through and tender.
- Season: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, stirring gently to distribute the seasoning evenly throughout the dish.
- Remove from heat and add cheese: Take the pot off the heat and stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted, creating a creamy coating for the pasta and peas.
- Garnish and serve: Finally, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley over the pasta, mix lightly, and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option. Chicken broth can be substituted if desired.
- Frozen peas can be replaced with fresh peas when in season for a sweeter taste.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of your broth.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of cream or butter when stirring in Parmesan cheese.
- Stir frequently when cooking pasta in broth to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Parmesan cheese is not vegan; substitute with a vegan cheese alternative for a vegan version.
