Pasta with Peas
If you're looking for more meals to serve on a busy weeknight, then you found a delicious option right here! With a dash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this pasta is bursting with flavor. The combination of pasta and peas is both satisfying and delicious.
Kids love the fun twist of peas mixed with pasta, which provides a pop of color and a hint of sweetness. For adults, it's a convenient and tasty meal that can be whipped up in no time. Easy pasta with peas is a simple dish that's perfectly filling.
What ingredients will I need to make easy pasta with peas?
- Avocado oil (or other cooking oil)
- Small yellow onion
- Garlic
- Ditalini pasta-or other small pasta like shells, elbows, etc.
- Vegetable broth
- Lemon juice
- Peas-frozen or fresh
- Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
Protip: Grate it fresh!
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best in this recipe. It melts perfectly into the pasta.
I can use fresh OR frozen peas?
Yes! That's part of the ease and convenience of this pasta and peas recipe.
If you use fresh peas, be sure to add them to the skillet with the dry pasta, so they have plenty of time to cook.
How do I make pasta with peas and Parmesan?
- Sauté onion and garlic in a large skillet. Cook onion until translucent.
- Boil dry pasta in vegetable broth and lemon juice until al dente. Once boiling, reduce liquid to a simmer.
- Add the peas, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
- Remove skillet from heat and top pasta with more Parmesan. Time to serve!
Protip: 3 ways to know if your pasta is al dente!
- Follow the package instructions for how long to cook for al dente pasta.
- Try a bite-pasta should be tender but still a bit firm.
- Look at the pasta-the center should be firm and slightly more opaque than the edges.
What variations can I make to this easy pasta with peas recipe?
Add meat-try adding grilled chicken, seafood, or even steak to this dish. Pasta with peas and pancetta would also be divine.
Add more vegetables-sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, just to name a few. We like to keep frozen spinach around to easily bulk up any dinner. Pasta with peas and spinach is absolutely delicious with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Switch up the seasonings-add dried or fresh chopped herbs while cooking the pasta to easily change up the flavor of the dish. Try dried rosemary or thyme, dried Italian seasoning, or fresh, chopped chives.
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How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze pasta with peas and Parmesan?
Yes! As long as it's in a sealed, freezer-safe container, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months.
To reheat, first thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge. Then heat the pasta and peas in a pot on the stovetop-add about a tablespoon of water and stir pasta over low-medium heat until it is warmed to your liking.
Got more easy dinner recipes featuring pasta?
Of course!
- This Spinach Tortellini Soup utilizes convenience ingredients to be ready in 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a warm, filling dinner!
- Try some Sheet Pan Gnocchi for a veggie-packed pasta dish.
- And we love this One Pot Summertime Primavera for a colorful dinner with such an easy clean-up!
📖 Recipe
Pasta with Peas
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or other cooking oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces ditalini pasta dry
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Parmesan shavings or more shredded Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil over medium heat in a pot or large skillet. Add 1 small yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced 4 cloves garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Add the dry 8 ounces ditalini pasta, 2 ½ cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon salt to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover, and simmer for 8-9 minutes (or until the pasta is al dente), stirring every 2-3 minutes.
- Add the 2 cups frozen peas, 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup heavy cream, stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is combined.
- Remove from heat, top with more Parmesan shavings or more shredded Parmesan , and serve!
Notes
- Feel free to use other small pasta shapes like shells, elbows, etc.
- Frozen peas are easy to use, but you can also use fresh peas. Just add them in at step 2 instead of step 3 to ensure they're cooked through.
- Use fresh shredded Parmesan for best results.
Sometimes the simplest food is the best! This is as kid-friendly as it comes, and it's a favorite of my kiddo. I use whatever small-size gluten-free pasta I have on hand to make this for my gf family. Enjoy!