why make this recipe
This dish is quick, cheap, and tasty. It uses frozen peas and simple pantry items. You can make it on a weeknight with little fuss.
introduction
Pasta and Peas is a bright, green pasta that tastes fresh and light. The peas turn into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. If you want another easy pasta idea with rich flavor, try the creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe for a different weeknight meal.
how to make Pasta and Peas
You cook the peas with broth, blend most of them into a smooth sauce, and then cook the pasta directly in broth. Finally you stir the pea sauce into the cooked pasta and add cheese and lemon for flavor.
Ingredients :
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cups frozen peas
- A handful of baby spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 8 oz small-shaped pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast if vegan)
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- Black pepper to taste
Directions :
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or a Dutch oven. Once hot, add the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds, stirring often, until fragrant.
- Add the frozen peas and vegetable broth and cook for 5 minutes, or until the peas are soft.
- Transfer 3/4 of the cooked peas and baby spinach (optional) to a blender.
- Add the pasta and the rest of the vegetable broth to the pot, and season with salt and black pepper. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid evaporates.
- In the meantime, blend the peas with a splash of water until smooth and creamy.
- When the pasta is ready, pour the mixture into the pot.
- Stir and finish with parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
how to serve Pasta and Peas
Serve hot, right after you finish cooking. Add extra grated parmesan or a sprinkle of black pepper. A little lemon zest also works well. Serve with a simple salad or crusty bread.
how to store Pasta and Peas
Cool the pasta to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
tips to make Pasta and Peas
- Use small pasta shapes so the sauce clings well.
- Stir often while the pasta cooks to stop it from sticking.
- If the sauce is too thick after resting, add a little hot water or broth when reheating.
- For a vegan version, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- Taste and adjust salt and lemon at the end.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a meatier dish.
- Stir in cream or a dollop of ricotta for a richer sauce.
- Add fresh herbs like mint or basil for extra freshness.
- Toss in peas only (no spinach) for a simpler version.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
A: Yes. Cook fresh peas until tender before blending. You may need a little less cooking time.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free small-shaped pasta. Cook time may vary, so check the package.
Q: How do I make this vegan?
A: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan and check that the pasta is egg-free.
Q: Can I skip blending the peas?
A: You can, but blending makes a creamy sauce that coats the pasta better.
Q: Is this good cold as a pasta salad?
A: It can work, but the sauce firms up when cold. Add a little olive oil and lemon before serving cold.
Pasta and Peas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and tasty pasta dish featuring creamy peas and simple pantry items, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cups frozen peas
- A handful of baby spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 8 oz small-shaped pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast if vegan)
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or a Dutch oven. Once hot, add the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds, stirring often, until fragrant.
- Add the frozen peas and vegetable broth and cook for 5 minutes, or until the peas are soft.
- Transfer 3/4 of the cooked peas and baby spinach (optional) to a blender.
- Add the pasta and the rest of the vegetable broth to the pot, and season with salt and black pepper. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid evaporates.
- Blend the peas with a splash of water until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into the pot when the pasta is ready.
- Stir and finish with parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
Notes
Use small pasta shapes so the sauce clings well. Stir often while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg