This pasta with spring peas and garlic captures the essence of effortless Italian cooking: minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and comforting simplicity. The al dente pasta mingles beautifully with tender peas, aromatic garlic, and bright onion, while a splash of stock and a generous grating of Parmesan transform it into a creamy, satisfying dish, all made in one pot for quick cleanup.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers a bowlful of warmth and freshness in just 25 minutes. It’s versatile enough to pair with crusty bread or a crisp salad and adaptable to what you have on hand. Delicious, nourishing, and ready when you are.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz (340 g) short pasta (penne, fusilli, shells, etc.)
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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1 small brown or yellow onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1½ cups fresh or thawed frozen green peas
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1 cup low-sodium vegetable stock or water
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
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Stir in the peas and pour in the stock or water. Bring to a gentle boil. Season with salt and pepper.
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Add the pasta and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally and adding a splash more stock if necessary.
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Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: approximately 380 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Pasta with Spring Peas & Garlic: A Comforting Italian Classic
There’s something timeless and universally comforting about a bowl of pasta, especially when it’s prepared simply yet full of flavor. Pasta with Spring Peas & Garlic (often known in Italian as Pasta e Piselli) is a dish that embodies the very soul of rustic Italian cooking, minimal ingredients, uncomplicated preparation, and a result that feels indulgent and heartwarming.
This pasta dish is perfect for those moments when you need dinner on the table quickly but don’t want to sacrifice taste or nutrition. Whether you’re preparing it as a cozy weeknight meal, a spring-inspired lunch, or even as part of a casual dinner party, it never fails to impress.
In this article, we’ll explore everything that makes this recipe special, its origins, the role of each ingredient, variations you can try, storage tips, serving ideas, and even how to elevate it into a gourmet-level dish without much effort.
The Beauty of Italian Minimalism in Cooking
In Italian cuisine, many of the most loved dishes are born from the idea of less is more. Using just a few fresh, quality ingredients, you can create a dish that is layered with flavor and texture. Pasta e Piselli is a great example. The base: pasta, peas, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan forms the heart of the dish, and every bite bursts with the natural sweetness of peas, the savory depth of Parmesan, and the comforting bite of perfectly cooked pasta.
This style of cooking is not only about convenience but also about letting each ingredient shine. Fresh or even frozen peas add color and freshness; garlic brings its distinct aromatic punch; and Parmesan provides that umami-rich, creamy finish that makes each forkful irresistible.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
Pasta
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can use almost any type of short pasta: penne, fusilli, shells, or orecchiette work wonderfully. Short pasta shapes hold onto the peas and sauce better, making each bite balanced and flavorful.
Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil serves as the foundation of flavor. It’s worth choosing a good-quality one because it’s not masked by heavy sauces. The fruity and peppery notes from olive oil complement the peas and cheese beautifully.
Onion and Garlic
These aromatic vegetables create the flavor backbone of the dish. Onions add a gentle sweetness that balances the savory elements, while garlic infuses the oil and pasta with a deep, fragrant aroma.
Green Peas
Peas are the star here. Fresh peas are ideal when in season, but frozen peas work perfectly well and are available year-round. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the salty Parmesan and starchy pasta.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan isn’t just a garnish; it’s essential for creating the creamy coating that binds the pasta and peas together. For a vegetarian version, ensure you use a Parmesan alternative that doesn’t contain animal rennet.
Seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper may seem simple, but they are crucial in balancing flavors. If you want a hint of spice, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
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Salt the pasta water generously – This is your first chance to season the pasta itself. Think of it like seasoning from the inside out.
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Cook the pasta directly in the sauce – In this recipe, pasta is finished in the same pot with the peas and stock, allowing it to absorb the flavors and release starch for a creamier result.
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Don’t overcook the peas – You want them tender but still vibrant green, not mushy or dull.
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Use pasta water wisely – If your sauce feels too dry, add a small splash of the pasta cooking water to loosen it and help emulsify the olive oil and cheese.
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Serve immediately – Like most pasta dishes, this one is best enjoyed right away while it’s hot, creamy, and aromatic.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Pasta with Spring Peas & Garlic is how adaptable it is. Here are some creative twists:
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Lemon Zest and Mint – For a fresh, bright flavor, add the zest of one lemon and a handful of chopped fresh mint leaves just before serving.
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Creamy Upgrade – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone for a richer, more indulgent sauce.
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Protein Boost – Add diced cooked ham, crispy pancetta, or shredded rotisserie chicken to make it more filling.
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Vegan Version – Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, and use vegetable broth for cooking.
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Spicy Kick – Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a gentle heat.
Serving Suggestions
While this pasta is perfectly satisfying on its own, it also pairs beautifully with side dishes:
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A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
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Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
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A glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish’s fresh and savory notes.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, as pasta tends to absorb liquid when chilled. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate texture of peas, but it’s so quick to make that you won’t mind preparing it fresh each time.
Why This Dish Works Year-Round
Even though peas are often associated with spring, this recipe works beautifully in every season. Fresh peas in spring bring an unmatched sweetness, while frozen peas in winter offer the same vibrant green pop and mild flavor. The recipe’s lightness makes it ideal for warmer weather, yet its cozy, creamy finish also feels right at home during cooler months.
Conclusion
Pasta with Spring Peas & Garlic is more than just a quick dinner, it’s a celebration of Italian culinary philosophy, where simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony. The tender pasta, sweet peas, aromatic garlic, and salty Parmesan create a dish that’s light yet comforting, fresh yet satisfying.
It’s the kind of recipe you can make when you’re short on time, when you want to impress guests without stress, or when you’re simply craving a nourishing bowl of pasta that tastes like home. With its adaptability, minimal prep, and big flavor payoff, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.