Easy Pasta e Piselli: A Cozy Italian Classic Recipe

Pasta e piselli represents a beloved Italian comfort dish that whisks you into a world of rustic simplicity and hearty satisfaction.

This classic recipe embodies the essence of traditional home cooking with its humble yet flavorful ingredients.

Regional kitchens across italy have long celebrated this unassuming combination of tender pasta and vibrant green peas.

Generations of families have passed down their unique interpretations, creating a tapestry of culinary memories.

The dish converts basic pantry staples into a magical meal that warms both body and soul.

Creamy, comforting, and wonderfully versatile, pasta e piselli speaks to the heart of italian cooking philosophy.

converting few ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll fall in love with this quick and nourishing recipe that connects you to generations of passionate home cooks.

Reasons You’ll Keep Coming Back to Pasta e Piselli

• Savor Quick Comfort: This pasta e piselli delivers a heartwarming meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
• Embrace Creamy Simplicity: The technique of cooking pasta directly in the pea sauce creates a naturally creamy texture without heavy cream, using just pasta water and parmesan to develop a silky, luxurious coating.
• Celebrate Versatile Ingredients: Minimal, pantry-friendly ingredients like peas, shallots, and parmesan transform into a stunning dish that can be easily adapted with whatever herbs or cheese you have on hand, making it a flexible recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Cooking Pasta e Piselli from Scratch

• Pasta: Short pasta shape perfect for catching the creamy sauce, preferably ditalini or small shells.
• Peas: Sweet and tender green vegetables that add bright color and natural sweetness to the dish.

• Shallot: Delicate onion-like ingredient providing a subtle, mild aromatic base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that creates rich, creamy texture.
• Fresh Basil: Optional herb adding bright, fresh flavor and elegant green garnish.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for sautéing and adding smooth, fruity undertone.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground spice for adding subtle heat and depth.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid crucial for creating silky, emulsified sauce.

Cooking Steps to Make Pasta e Piselli (Pasta and Peas)

Step 1: Prepare Shallot Base

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Gently add finely chopped shallots and cook until they turn soft and release a delightful aroma, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Sprinkle in a generous amount of salt. Add pasta and cook for only half the time suggested on the package. Before draining, carefully save at least 4 cups of pasta water.

Step 3: Simmer Vibrant Peas

Introduce peas to the pan with sautéed shallots. Pour in 1 cup of reserved pasta water and let peas bubble gently for 10-15 minutes until they become tender and bright green.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Peas

Slide partially cooked pasta into the pan with simmering peas. Slowly pour additional pasta water, stirring continuously until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture. This process takes about 5 minutes, maintaining a silky sauce consistency.

Step 5: Create Final Flourish

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately, topping with extra parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.

Helpful Notes for Better Pasta e Piselli Every Time

• Master Pasta Water Technique: Reserve plenty of starchy pasta water before draining, as this liquid gold helps create a silky, emulsified sauce that perfectly coats every pasta strand.
• Prevent Overcooking Peas: Simmer peas gently to maintain their bright green color and tender texture, avoiding mushy or dull-looking vegetables.
• Balance Liquid Levels: Add reserved pasta water gradually while stirring, allowing the pasta to absorb liquid and create a creamy consistency without becoming too dry or soupy.
• Elevate Flavor Depth: Use freshly grated parmesan and torn basil leaves at the end to boost the dish's aromatic profile and add a burst of fresh, vibrant taste.
• Temperature Control Matters: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer when combining pasta and peas, ensuring even cooking and preventing sauce separation.

Pasta e Piselli Leftovers: Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra pasta water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy consistency.
• Microwave Option: Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a small amount of water to keep the pasta moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Meals and Drinks to Enjoy with Pasta e Piselli

• Savor with Crisp White Wine: Pair this light, comforting pasta dish with a chilled pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the creamy texture and complements the sweet peas perfectly.
• Add Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, toasted Italian bread rubbed with fresh garlic and drizzled with olive oil. The bread's crunch provides a delightful contrast to the soft pasta and helps soak up the delicious sauce.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will refresh the palate between bites.
• Complement with Prosciutto: Garnish with thin slices of salty prosciutto on top or serve a small plate on the side. The cured meat's intense flavor adds depth and complexity to the mild, sweet pea pasta.

Fun Variations for Classic Pasta e Piselli Dishes

• Creamy Pea Paradise: Replace parmesan with pecorino romano and add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness. Blend some peas into a smooth puree to create a velvety sauce base.
• Spicy Mediterranean Mix: Incorporate diced pancetta or chorizo during shallot sautéing. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and use fresh mint instead of basil for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Green Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp during the final pasta cooking stage. Mix in some fresh spinach leaves for additional green nutrients and color complexity.
• Vegetarian Herb Fusion: Substitute pasta water with vegetable broth for deeper flavor. Include roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh thyme to enhance the vegetarian version's taste depth.

Pasta e Piselli (Pasta and Peas) Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic Italian comfort dish pasta e piselli brings together simple ingredients in a creamy, hearty celebration of rustic cooking. Home cooks can savor this quick Neapolitan favorite that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 500 g (1 lb) fresh or frozen peas
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped

Pasta and Cheese:

• 320 g (11 oz) ditalini or another type of small pasta
• 50 g (1 cup) freshly grated parmesan, plus extra for serving

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Handful of fresh basil (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame, gently caramelize the shallot until translucent and aromatic, releasing its delicate flavor profile.
2. Simultaneously, ignite a pot of water to a rolling boil, season generously with salt, then immerse pasta, cooking only halfway through the recommended package duration while preserving a substantial quantity of starchy liquid.
3. Introduce vibrant green peas into the shallot-infused pan, cascade reserved pasta water, and allow them to simmer gently, transforming into tender morsels of sweetness.
4. Carefully transfer partially cooked pasta into the pea-laden skillet, progressively incorporating additional pasta water, stirring attentively until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency and a silky, inviting sauce emerges.
5. Remove from heat, fold in freshly grated parmesan and torn basil leaves, creating a harmonious blend of flavors, then season judiciously with salt and cracked black pepper to elevate the dish’s nuanced taste.
6. Plate immediately, crowning the creation with an extra flourish of parmesan, presenting a rustic, comforting Italian classic that celebrates simplicity and seasonal ingredients.

Notes

• Quick and comforting Italian one-pot meal that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful dish.
• Reserve pasta water is crucial for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that coats every pasta strand perfectly.
• Partially cooking pasta in the pan with peas allows it to absorb flavor and create a naturally creamy texture without heavy cream.
• Fresh herbs like basil add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.
• Parmesan cheese provides a rich, salty depth that complements the sweet peas and enhances the overall taste.
• Cooking technique requires constant stirring and gradual liquid addition to achieve the ideal creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg