Pasta e Piselli (Italian Pasta and Peas Recipe)

This Pasta e Piselli (Italian Pasta and Peas) is a simple comfort food pasta dinner made with tender pasta, sweet peas and Parmesan cheese. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm, satisfying and easy to make.

this recipe!

Try my Boursin cheese pasta and chicken alfredo lasagna next!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This simple pasta dinner comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Simple, comforting ingredients: Tender pasta and sweet peas come together in a flavorful, cozy dish the whole family can enjoy.
• Budget-friendly dinner: Made with inexpensive pantry and freezer staples, this easy Italian pasta recipe is a great option when you need a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 450g (1 pound) fresh or frozen peas
• 410g Ditalini pasta
• 1 and 1/4 cups Parmesan cheese, (freshly grated, divided)
• Salt & Pepper

Step by Step Intructions – How to make Pasta e Piselli

We chose to make this beloved one-pot meal in two pots by pre-cooking the pasta separately. Super quick and easy and I think you’re going to love it!

Tip: Before you begin, place a measuring cup and soup ladle within reach of the stove as a reminder that you will need to save 3 cups of pasta water.

Step 1 – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. The pasta will continue cooking when you add it to the peas and onion mixture, so ensure that it is al dente and be careful not to overcook.

Step 2 – Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet, large saucepan or Dutch oven. Sauté the chopped shallot and onions over medium heat until softened, about four to five minutes.

Tip: Don’t brown the onion and shallot, you just want to soften it.

Step 3 – Add the peas to the onion mixture, along with 2 cups of the reserved pasta water and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, until peas are tender.

Tip: If you accidently toss the pasta water, don’t fret, I’ve done it before! You can substitute vegetable or chicken broth. You can also boil a small amount of any type of pasta noodles and save the water!

Step 4 – Gently stir the al dente cooked pasta into the mixture. If you would like a more soupy consistency, add in more of the reserved pasta water. Simmer gently for another 3 minutes.

Step 5 – Stir in 1 cup of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste, then season with salt & black pepper.

Storage Instructions

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat leftovers on the stovetop by adding a splash of water and cooking over low heat until heated through. The easiest way to reheat pasta and peas it to reheat it in the microwave, thirty seconds at a time until heated through.