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–+ servings

Italian Pasta with Peas

A classic Italian home-style pasta dish featuring tender pasta, sweet green peas, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a budget-friendly family dinner, this one-pot recipe is comforting, easy to make, and packed with flavor.
Creamy Italian Pasta with Peas (Simple Home Recipe)
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Pan
  • Pot for boiling water
  • Kettle (optional)
  • Hand Mixer or Immersion Blender
  • Chopping Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Wooden Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 yellow onion chopped finely
  • 3 tbsp olive oil for sautéing onions and peas
  • 1 lb frozen green peas
  • 4 cups boiling water to cook peas and pasta
  • 1 lb pasta any short pasta like ditalini, penne, or rigatoni
  • 1.5 cups Pecorino Romano cheese freshly grated
  • 1 tsp salt for seasoning peas and water
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Instructions
 

  • Step 1 – Prepare the Onion: Start by peeling and finely chopping one yellow onion. Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onions. Sauté them slowly until they become soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  • Step 2 – Add the Peas: Once the onions are translucent, add 1 pound of frozen green peas to the pan. Mix thoroughly to coat the peas in the olive oil and onion mixture. Sauté for 2–3 minutes to heat the peas through before adding any water. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  • Step 3 – Add Boiling Water: Using 4 cups of boiling water (kettle preferred for speed), pour it into the skillet with the onions and peas. This will start cooking the peas and prepare the pan for the pasta. Stir everything gently and let the peas simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  • Step 4 – Blend Half the Peas: Using a hand mixer or immersion blender, carefully blend about half of the peas directly in the skillet. This will create a creamy base that will coat the pasta beautifully. Leave the other half of the peas whole for texture. This simple step transforms a basic pasta dish into a creamy and luxurious meal.
  • Step 5 – Cook the Pasta: Add 1 pound of your chosen pasta directly to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the blended peas and onion mixture. Make sure there is enough liquid to allow the pasta to cook evenly. If needed, add a little more boiling water gradually. Simmer the pasta in the pea mixture for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb most of the liquid, resulting in a creamy texture.
  • Step 6 – Check Creaminess: Observe the skillet during cooking. In the center, you should see a small pond of pea cream forming. This indicates that the water-to-pasta ratio is perfect. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, but do not overcook. The pasta should be tender yet firm to the bite (al dente).
  • Step 7 – Add the Cheese: Turn off the heat completely before adding the cheese. Add 1.5 cups of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese directly to the hot pasta. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and fully incorporates into the pea mixture. This creates a velvety, creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. Make sure the heat is off, or the cheese may clump.
  • Step 8 – Final Mixing and Serving: Give the pasta a final gentle stir, making sure all the pasta is coated with the creamy pea sauce. Serve immediately while hot. You can garnish with extra grated Pecorino or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. This dish is perfect for a weekday family meal and can serve 4–6 people. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread if desired.

Notes

🔹 Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano for maximum flavor.
🔹 Adjust the water gradually to ensure pasta doesn’t become too watery.
🔹 Half-blended peas are the secret to creamy texture.
🔹 Perfect for a cheap, nourishing weekday meal for the whole family.
🔹 Optional: drizzle a bit of olive oil or add fresh herbs like parsley for garnish.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 10gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg
Keyword cheap Italian pasta recipe, creamy pasta with peas, family pasta dinner, Italian pasta with peas, pasta e piselli
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