Pasta with Peas

Whenever I think of comfort food, the first thing that pops into my mind is Pasta with Peas. It’s a dish that’s not just easy to make, but also incredibly satisfying. Picture this: a busy weeknight, and you want something that doesn’t take hours to prepare. That’s when this delightful recipe shines. It always brings back memories of cozy dinners with family, where we’d gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying every single bite. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each flavor to stand out, especially the sweetness of the peas that perfectly complements the pasta.

Pasta with Peas Ingredients

When it comes to cooking, the ingredients you choose can make all the difference. For Pasta with Peas, the focus is on fresh, simple items that come together beautifully. Each component plays a crucial role, from the pasta to the mint leaves, creating a dish that feels wholesome and satisfying.

• 8 ounces (225g) dried pasta – Any shape works great!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness to the dish.
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced – Provides sweetness and depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – A must-have for flavor.
• 10 ounces (280g) frozen peas – No need to thaw; they add sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons mint leaves – A refreshing twist.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated – For a savory finish.

Directions for Pasta with Peas

Let’s dive into the cooking process for Pasta with Peas. It’s straightforward, but each step is essential to capturing the right flavors and textures. Follow along, and soon you’ll be savoring this amazing dish!

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Keep an eye on it, as overcooked pasta can become mushy. Once done, reserve about 2 cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. In the same saucepan, add the olive oil and butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, it should create a lovely aroma filling your kitchen. Stir the oil and butter together until they’re well combined.
3. Next, add the finely diced yellow onion to the saucepan. Sauté it for about 4 minutes, stirring constantly. You want the onions to become soft and translucent. This step is crucial as it builds the base flavor for your sauce.
4. Once the onions are ready, add in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned, as that can lead to a bitter taste.
5. Now it’s time to introduce the frozen peas into the mix. Stir them in gently and allow them to cook for approximately 2 minutes. They should be heated through, while still maintaining their vibrant green color.
6. After that, pour in the reserved pasta water. This is where the magic happens; the starchy water will help create a beautiful sauce. Add the mint leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow everything to simmer for about 1 minute, warming the pasta water and melding the flavors together.
7. Now, it’s blending time! Transfer the pea mixture to a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth sauce. If you prefer a chunkier texture, feel free to blend less. This sauce is what brings the dish together.
8. Combine the blended sauce with the drained pasta in a large bowl. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated in the delicious green sauce. This step is essential, as you want every strand of pasta to be enveloped in flavor.
9. Serve the pasta immediately with extra peas and freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. This final touch elevates the dish, making it look as good as it tastes.

Making Adjustments

Flexibility is key in cooking, and that applies to Pasta with Peas too. Here are some tips to help you adjust the recipe to your liking:

• Storage: Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water.
• Freezing: You can freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
• Pairing with Proteins: Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish for extra protein. Just toss them in after mixing the pasta with the sauce.
• Vegan Adaptation: To make this dish vegan, replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
• Using Fresh Ingredients: If you have access to fresh peas, use them instead of frozen for an even sweeter flavor.

What Goes Well With This Pasta with Peas

There are so many delightful pairings for Pasta with Peas that can enhance your meal experience. Here’s a list of some wonderful accompaniments:

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is always a hit and can soak up any leftover sauce.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs perfectly, adding a crunchy texture to your meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Serve some charred vegetables on the side for a colorful and healthy addition.
• Seasonal Dishes: In the spring, try pairing this dish with asparagus or spring greens for a seasonal touch.
• Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of white wine can complement the flavors beautifully, especially if you’re serving this at a dinner party.

FAQ

Conclusion

What makes Pasta with Peas so special is its vibrant flavors and simplicity. It’s a dish that not only satisfies but also brings back memories of family gatherings and hearty meals. I encourage you to give it a try; it might just become a new favorite in your home. Enjoy!

Pasta with Peas

The ultimate comfort food, Pasta with Peas is a creamy and satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With fresh ingredients and simple preparation, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Try making it tonight!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• 3 qt saucepan
• Blender

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces dried pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 10 ounces frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons mint leaves
• salt
• pepper
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Keep an eye on it, as overcooked pasta can become mushy. Once done, reserve about 2 cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
• In the same saucepan, add the olive oil and butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, it should create a lovely aroma filling your kitchen. Stir the oil and butter together until they’re well combined.
• Next, add the finely diced yellow onion to the saucepan. Sauté it for about 4 minutes, stirring constantly. You want the onions to become soft and translucent. This step is crucial as it builds the base flavor for your sauce.
• Once the onions are ready, add in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned, as that can lead to a bitter taste.
• Now it’s time to introduce the frozen peas into the mix. Stir them in gently and allow them to cook for approximately 2 minutes. They should be heated through, while still maintaining their vibrant green color.
• After that, pour in the reserved pasta water. This is where the magic happens; the starchy water will help create a beautiful sauce. Add the mint leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow everything to simmer for about 1 minute, warming the pasta water and melding the flavors together.
• Now, it’s blending time! Transfer the pea mixture to a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth sauce. If you prefer a chunkier texture, feel free to blend less. This sauce is what brings the dish together.
• Combine the blended sauce with the drained pasta in a large bowl. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated in the delicious green sauce. This step is essential, as you want every strand of pasta to be enveloped in flavor.
• Serve the pasta immediately with extra peas and freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. This final touch elevates the dish, making it look as good as it tastes.

Notes

• Tip 1: Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
• Tip 3: Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish for extra protein. Just toss them in after mixing the pasta with the sauce.
• Tip 4: To make this dish vegan, replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
• Tip 5: If you have access to fresh peas, use them instead of frozen for an even sweeter flavor.

Keyword Comfort Food Pasta, Easy Pasta with Peas, Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner Recipe

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Meet Maya Carlson

I believe that every dish tells a story through its colors and textures. I apply my artistic eye to everything we make. I love being hands-on with every recipe, helping to plate a savory stew just as beautifully as a dessert. I enjoy the challenge of making every single genre of food look as good as it tastes. If we are cooking, I am right there in the mix, styling and seasoning until it’s perfect.