Paste e Piselli is the classic Italian recipe for pasta with peas. This delicious recipe is easy to make, comes together in just 15 minutes, and is great for any occasion!
If you love the sweet flavor of peas, you have to give this Pasta e Piselli recipe a try. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this is one pasta dish you’ll make again and again.
For another simple pasta, try Lemon Ricotta Pasta recipe or Sausage and Kale Pasta. If you love cooking with peas, try my classic Peas and Pancetta recipe for a delicious side dish for any meal.
Pasta e Piselli Recipe
This authentic Italian recipe for pasta and peas is simple to make and has the most amazing flavor and texture combination. If you love green peas, you have to give this recipe a try.
Pasta e Piselli is a simple recipe consisting of sautéed onions with either frozen or fresh peas. Part of the sauce is pureed and then added back in with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
The creamy sauce is combined with small shells pasta and tossed for an easy pasta recipe that’s ready in just minutes. It’s a staple dish of Southern Italy known for its simple and delicious flavors.
You’ll love the combination of creamy pasta with the bright flavors and colors of the green sauce. Serve with an extra sprinkle of grated parmesan for a simple main dish or first course.
So, if you love simple recipes bursting with fresh flavors, give this Pasta e Piselli recipe a try. You’re going to love the combination of pasta with sweet peas!
Ingredients
- Peas: a bag of frozen peas is all you need to make the delicious sauce for this pasta e piselli recipe. You can use fresh shelled peas for an even sweeter finish. I do not recommend canned peas for this recipe.
- Onion: diced yellow onions are used to make the base of the sauce.
- Olive Oil: use a good quality olive oil or extra virgin olive oil.
- Pasta: you will need a short pasta to compliment the texture of sauce. I recommend using small or medium shells, ditalini pasta, or any small pasta shapes.
- Cheese: grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese add great flavor and a salty bite.
- Salt & Pepper: kosher salt and black pepper are the only seasonings you need.
- Optional Toppings: you can finish off the pasta and peas with different flavorings such as fresh herbs or fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or even crispy pancetta.
How to Make Pasta e Piselli
Classic Italian Pasta e Piselli is a simple pasta dish that’s ready in just minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights. The sauce is ready in the time it takes the pasta to cook and it’s a great alternative to traditional red sauce.
First you’ll need to boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Be sure to save some pasta water to add to the sauce as it cooks.
Step 1: cook the onions and peas
While the pasta cooks, in a large skillet or large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat and add in the diced onion. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add in the peas and a splash of pasta water. Cook until the peas have softened, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: puree the pea sauce
Remove half of the peas and place in a bowl with an immersion blender or food processor, along with one cup of pasta water. Blend the peas mixture until smooth and add back to the skillet along with salt and pepper.
Step 3: add the cooked pasta and cheese
Add in the cooked pasta and parmesan cheese. The sauce should have a thick and creamy consistency but if it’s too thick you can loosen it with a little extra water. Serve immediately with more cheese sprinkled on top and some fresh basil (optional).
This simple and delicious recipe for Pasta e Piselli is one of those Italian pasta recipes you’ll make again and again. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How to Reheat Pasta e Piselli
To reheat Pasta e Piselli, follow these steps:
- Stovetop Method: Place the pasta in a pot or saucepan and add a splash of water, broth, or a bit of olive oil to loosen it up, as it thickens when cooled. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through and the desired consistency is reached.
- Microwave Method: Transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe dish and add a little water or broth. Cover the dish loosely with a lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in short intervals (30-60 seconds), stirring in between, until evenly warmed.
Using either method, you can add a little extra grated cheese or fresh herbs when reheating to refresh the flavors.
More Simple Pasta Recipes
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Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas)
Equipment
- large skillet or pot
- immersion blender
Ingredients
- 1 pound small shell pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 16 ounces frozen peas
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teapoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Remove two cups of the pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat and add in the diced onion. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add in the peas and a splash of pasta water. Cook until the peas have softened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove half of the peas and place in a bowl with an immersion blender or food processor, along with one cup of reserved pasta water. Blend the pea mixture until smooth and add back to the skillet along with the salt and pepper.
- Add in the cooked pasta and parmesan cheese. The sauce should have a thick and creamy consistency but if it’s too thick you can loosen it with a splash of pasta water. Serve immediately with more cheese sprinkled on top.
Notes
- Choose a small pasta shape. Any small variety will work well, but try to pick one that’s close in size to the peas like shells, macaroni, or ditallini.
- Pasta e Piselli can be served either soupy or thick and saucy. Adjust the thickness by adding a bit more water to reach your preferred consistency.
- You can use an immersion blender or food processor fitted with a blade attachment. A regular blender works too; just keep in mind you may need to add a touch more water.
- Change up the flavor of this recipe by adding pancetta, cooked bacon, lemon juice, or garlic.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of water and more cheese.
