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If you are craving a comforting, wholesome dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Pasta e Piselli Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender pasta with sweet peas, fragrant garlic, and a rich vegetable broth, every spoonful is a delightful balance of flavors and textures. This humble Italian classic bursts with freshness thanks to a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, making it an effortlessly satisfying meal for any time of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Pasta e Piselli Recipe so special is the simplicity and accessibility of its ingredients. Each element plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color you’ll love from the very first bite.
- 1 ½ cups dried pasta: Opt for small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni to capture the broth and peas beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps soften the onions and garlic without overpowering the dish.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a gentle sweetness and an aromatic base to build flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant warmth that complements the peas perfectly.
- 3 cups vegetable broth: The heart of the recipe, it cooks the pasta and delivers depth and savoriness.
- 2 cups frozen peas: Offer a pop of green color and a sweet, fresh taste that enlivens every forkful.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the natural sweetness of peas.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity without overwhelming other ingredients.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into a creamy texture, elevating the entire dish with nutty richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, herbaceous finish that ties all flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Pasta e Piselli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your cooking base
Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat until it’s warm but not smoking. This foundational step ensures that the olive oil can gently release its flavors for the next ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté onion and garlic to build aroma
Add the olive oil and let it warm for about a minute. Then stir in the finely chopped onion. Cook it slowly for about five minutes until it turns soft and translucent, which unlocks its natural sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic, stirring it together with the onions for another minute or two until you can smell that beautiful garlicky fragrance filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Boil pasta in flavorful broth
Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and raise the heat to bring it to a boil. Once bubbling, add your dried pasta, stirring well to make sure every piece is submerged. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 4: Add peas for a burst of color and sweetness
When the pasta is nearly cooked, toss in the frozen peas. Give everything a good stir and let the peas warm through over the next few minutes. This keeps them bright and tender without losing their natural sweetness.
Step 5: Season and enrich the dish
Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper to taste, stirring well so the seasoning is evenly distributed. Then take the pot off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt gently into the broth, creating a luscious, creamy coating that clings lovingly to each bite.
Step 6: Finish with fresh parsley and serve
Finally, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the pasta just before serving. This little pop of green adds an herby brightness and freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the Parmesan and olive oil.
How to Serve Pasta e Piselli Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this dish is how well simple garnishes can make it feel extra special. Try a little extra grated Parmesan, a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, or a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper for contrast. A sprinkle of lemon zest can add a surprising and delightful zing that brightens up the entire plate.
Side Dishes
Pasta e Piselli shines as a light, standalone meal, but if you want to round it out, consider a crisp mixed green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or toasted focaccia also pair wonderfully, creating a warm, inviting Italian-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual shallow bowls to showcase the colorful peas against the creamy pasta. You could also layer it in glass jars for a charming picnic or kitchen counter lunch. Garnish with sprigs of parsley or basil leaves for a rustic, homestyle feel that’s Instagram-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pasta e Piselli tastes just as good the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The pasta will soak up more broth, making it even creamier overnight.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place it in a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, warm the pasta slowly on low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and preserve that wonderful creamy texture you loved the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen in this Pasta e Piselli Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh peas will add an even brighter sweetness and a tender bite. Just add them towards the end of cooking, similar to the frozen peas, so they don’t become mushy.
What type of pasta works best for Pasta e Piselli Recipe?
Small shapes such as ditalini, elbows, or small shells tend to work best since they catch the broth and peas nicely, making every bite perfectly balanced.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This Pasta e Piselli Recipe is vegetarian as written. To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or swap it for a plant-based alternative, which will still deliver a lovely creaminess.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Chopped carrots or celery added with the onions can give extra flavor and texture, or spinach stirred in at the end adds a lovely green freshness.
How can I make Pasta e Piselli Recipe gluten-free?
Just swap the dried pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and the recipe remains just as delicious, without sacrificing any of the creamy, comforting goodness.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta e Piselli Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a cozy secret begging to be shared. It’s simple to pull together, packed with flavor, and wonderfully satisfying no matter the season. I truly hope it finds a warm place on your table and becomes a go-to comfort favorite in your recipe collection.
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