Pasta e Piselli is a classic Italian recipe featuring macaroni, peas, basil and parmesan.
If you’re looking for quick and affordable dinner idea our Pasta and Peas recipe is a flavour-packed vegetarian one-pot wonder!
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How To Make Pasta e Piselli
Pasta e Piselli is a classic example of cucina povera (Italian peasant cooking), turning humble pantry staples like dried pasta, peas, onion, and olive oil, into a filling, delicious meal.
Traditionally, fresh peas were used in spring, but modern versions often rely on frozen peas, making it a year-round comfort food staple in Italian households.
The vegetarian dish is especially popular in Naples and southern Italy, where it’s often made with tiny pasta shapes like ditalini, tubetti, or broken spaghetti.
“Pasta and Peas” is usually cooked so that the broth becomes creamy and coats the pasta, creating a dish that’s somewhere between a soup and a pasta, Italians call this style “pasta risottata.”
Because it uses peas and small pasta, it’s a quick 30-minute meal and often cooked by Italian nonnas for hungry kids after school.
Some families add grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano, while others stir in a dollop of ricotta or mascarpone for creaminess.
The base recipe is vegetarian, but variations exist, some add pancetta, guanciale, or prosciutto to give it smoky depth.
Pasta e Piselli Macaroni with Peas
Equipment
- French knife
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Spanish Onion finely chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves crushed
- 400 g Podded Fresh Peas
- 1 L Water
- 400 g Ditalini or Small Shell Pasta
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups Parmesan Cheese grated
- Fresh Basil for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat and saute the onion for a few minutes until soft. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute until lightly browned.
- Add peas, water, and pasta then season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook until the pasta is al dente, according to package instructions.
- Once finished cooking remove the skillet from the heat and add half of the cheese. Stir parmesan into the pasta until fully incorporated.
- Serve pasta with peas in bowls sprinkled with parmesan cheese and garnished with basil leaves.
Nutrition
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