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
Scale
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.
