Looking for a quick, comforting meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying? This Pasta with Peas recipe delivers a creamy, buttery dish loaded with tender peas and perfectly cooked pasta shells, all tossed in a flavorful sauce that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this easy recipe checks all the boxes. With a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you’ll create a delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s perfect for adding your own creative garnishes like Parmesan, olive oil, or a spicy kick of crushed red pepper!
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s inspired by my grandmother, who made Pasta with Peas a staple in her kitchen. I have such fond memories of her whipping up this simple yet flavorful dish, filling the house with the comforting aroma of butter and garlic. Every bite takes me back to her cozy kitchen, where love and laughter were served alongside every meal. Not only is this dish rich in nostalgia, but it’s also incredibly kid-friendly—perfect for picky eaters! With its creamy texture and mild, savory flavors, it’s a meal the whole family will enjoy, bringing everyone together around the table just like it did for us growing up.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this easy pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast, comforting meal. Simple ingredients make it the perfect recipe!
- Kid-Friendly and Delicious: The buttery pasta shells and sweet peas make this dish a family favorite, as kids and adults alike will enjoy it.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with added proteins like chicken or shrimp, or make it vegan-friendly for a meal that suits any dietary preference.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pasta shells: These little shells are perfectly designed to catch and hold the peas and creamy sauce, ensuring a flavorful bite every time. Their unique shape makes them the best choice for this comforting dish. We also love using ditalini pasta. You can also try other small pasta shapes.
- Kosher salt: Kosher salt is essential for salting the pasta water, enhancing the pasta’s flavor from the inside out. Properly seasoned pasta is the foundation of any great pasta dish.
- Pasta water: Reserved pasta water is rich in starches, which act as a natural emulsifier to create a silky sauce. It helps bind the sauce to the pasta, making it luscious and cohesive.
- Unsalted butter: Unsalted butter provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce. It allows you to control the salt content while adding a velvety texture and indulgent flavor.
- Vegetable broth: Vegetable stock brings a savory depth to the sauce without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the peas. It lightens the butter's richness and creates a balanced flavor profile.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the sauce, delivering a classic garlic flavor that complements the richness without being overwhelming.
- Ground black pepper: Ground black pepper offers a hint of earthy spice, balancing the sweetness of the peas and adding a mild heat that enhances the overall flavor.
- Green Peas: Sweet and tender peas provide a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color. They are the star of the dish, adding freshness and a delightful texture. We used frozen but you could also use canned peas.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil as a garnish adds a luxurious, fruity aroma and a final layer of richness, elevating both the flavor and presentation.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese enhances the dish with its salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor. It adds a satisfying savory element and finishes the dish beautifully. Good quality parmesan is great way to elevate this simple recipe.
- Crushed red pepper (optional): Crushed red pepper offers a spicy kick for those who enjoy the heat. It contrasts the sweetness of the peas and provides an exciting flavor boost.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Pasta Piselli
Step 1: Boil water. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add vegetable broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in frozen peas and cook until tender.
Step 4: Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir in reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
Top Tips
Salt the Pasta Water Generously: Salting the water ensures the pasta is well-seasoned from the start, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Don’t Skip the Reserved Cooking Water: The starchy pasta water helps create a creamy, cohesive sauce that clings to the pasta. Add it gradually to control the sauce’s consistency.
Cook the Peas Gently: Add the peas just before combining the pasta to avoid overcooking. This keeps them tender and vibrant while maintaining their natural sweetness.
Use Quality Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and high-quality butter make a noticeable difference in the richness and flavor of the sauce.
Customize the Garnishes: For extra flavor, sprinkle crushed red pepper for a slight kick, drizzle olive oil for richness, or add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh finish.
Variations
Spicy - Add chili pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Deluxe - Top with crispy pancetta or bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for a richer, more indulgent dish.
Creamy - Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to make the sauce extra creamy.
Lemon Zest - Stir in a bit of lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Nutty - Top with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
Protein-Packed - Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.
Storage and Make Ahead
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat: Reheat in a large saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Make Ahead: Prepare the pasta and sauce separately in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Combine and heat before serving.
Pasta with Peas
Ingredients
- 1 cup pasta shells
- Kosher salt for salting pasta water
- ½ cup pasta water reserved
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup peas frozen
- Olive oil drizzle for garnish
- Parmesan cheese grated (garnish)
- Crushed red pepper optional garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of kosher salt. Add 1 cup elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7 - 9 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ¼ cup of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of frozen peas to the skillet and cook until they are heated through and tender, about 3 - 4 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta, peas, and sauce to the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta well. You might not need all of the reserved pasta water.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over each serving. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately, and ENJOY your delicious Pasta with Peas!
Notes
Nutrition
Related
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- Tortellini with Rose Sauce
- Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo
- Creamy Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Best Homemade Fettucine Alfredo
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Misty Tannery
Oh My! Looks so good!
Courtney
I always keep peas in my freezer and pasta in the pantry so this was such a great pantry meal!
Stephanie
I love the addition of red pepper flakes to this pasta. They really help balance out all the flavors.
Tina Frank
Thank you! Crushed red pepper flakes are always a good idea!
Risa
Love this family-friendly pasta dish, it looks perfect for an easy weeknight meal! Can't wait to try this with my kids!
Tina
This recipe reminds me of my childhood! Yum!