Easy Pasta and Peas Recipe – Authentic Italian Flavor at Home

This recipe is a testament to the timeless charm of Italian cuisine, where simplicity meets flavor in a dance of culinary delight. This dish, deeply rooted in the Italian culinary tradition, offers a glimpse into the history of a cuisine that has always celebrated the harmony of minimal ingredients for maximum taste.
The rustic kitchens of Italy are where the pasta and peas recipe originated, showcasing home cooks’ skill in blending the earthy sweetness of peas with the al dente texture of pasta to create a nourishing and satisfying meal. This dish embodies the Italian culinary philosophy that simplicity, quality, and authenticity, rather than complexity, produce the best dishes.

In the pasta and peas recipe, each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s flavor profile. The sweetness of the peas complements the savory notes of garlic and olive oil, while the choice of pasta, whether long or short, absorbs these flavors beautifully. This synergy of ingredients underscores the Italian commitment to using what is fresh, available, and of the highest quality.

Pasta and Peas Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide with Cooking Time

The list of ingredients for the pasta and peas recipe includes:

  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Cups frozen (or fresh) peas, adjusted to taste
  • 2 cloves of garlic, sliced thin
  • 3/4 lb pene pasta
  • Romano or Parmesan cheese, for topping

Step-by-step instructions for making the pasta and peas recipe:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for the pasta and peas recipe. This preparation step ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add your choice of pasta to the boiling water and cook it until it is al dente, according to the package’s instructions. The cooking time for pasta usually varies by type but typically takes about 8-10 minutes to achieve an al dente texture.
  3. Saute the Peas and Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the peas and sliced garlic to the pan. Sauté these ingredients until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the dish with its signature flavors.
  4. Combine Pasta and Peas: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, making sure to reserve half a cup of the pasta water for later use. Add the drained pasta to the frying pan with the sautéed peas and garlic. Toss everything together, allowing the pasta to be fully coated with the flavors of the peas, garlic, and olive oil. This combination process should take about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Final Touches: If the pasta and peas mixture appears too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency. To finish, top the pasta with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese. This not only adds a layer of richness to the dish but also enhances its overall flavor profile.

Following these steps will result in a delicious pasta and peas dish, ready to be served and enjoyed.

Total Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes

This pasta and peas recipe showcases Italian cooking’s beauty, emphasizing simplicity and quality for extraordinary meals.

Ready in 15-20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner.

Every step, from boiling pasta to sautéing peas and garlic, highlights each ingredient, blending flavors and textures harmoniously. The cheese adds complexity and a comforting finish to this classic dish.

Nutritional Information:

The “pasta and peas recipe” blends flavor and nutrition, packed with vitamins A, C, K, and B from peas, for about 350-400 kcal per serving.

Peas boost fiber, aiding digestion and health, while maintaining moderate calories.

Its mix of proteins, carbs, and fats offers a balanced, nutritious meal.

Opting for whole wheat pasta, more peas, and less olive oil and cheese lowers calories to 300-350 per serving, ideal for lower-calorie diets.

delicious peas

Conclusion

The cook effortlessly brings the simplicity and rich flavors of the pasta and peas recipe to life through a series of steps, carefully preparing and combining the ingredients. Initially, the cook gathers all necessary ingredients, effectively setting the stage for a seamless cooking experience. Subsequently, they boil the pasta to perfection and carefully drain it, thoughtfully reserving a portion of the water. Concurrently, they sauté peas and garlic until fragrant, skillfully allowing the heat to deeply infuse their flavors into the olive oil. Following this, the cook combines these components, meticulously ensuring an even coating of the mixture on the pasta. Ultimately, they complete the dish with a generous topping of grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, adding a final touch of richness. Consequently, they present a delightful meal, ready for everyone to savor and enjoy, marking the culmination of a well-executed culinary endeavor.

FAQs

  • Can I use canned peas? Yes, you can use canned peas for the pasta and peas recipe. Drain and rinse them before adding to the dish to remove excess sodium.
  • How to store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep the pasta moist.
  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, particularly if adding any processed items like cheese or stock.

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