Pasta e Piselli – Classic Italian Pasta with Peas
A classic Italian pasta dish featuring tender pasta and sweet peas in a light, flavorful broth with aromatic herbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
12 ounces short pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups peas (fresh or frozen)
2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: 2 tablespoons lemon juice or zest
Optional: 2 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Sauté onion and garlic (and pancetta/bacon if using) in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add peas and broth; simmer 5 minutes.
- Toss pasta with peas and broth; add reserved pasta water as needed.
- Stir in Parmesan, parsley, and optional lemon; serve warm.
Notes
Avoid overcooking pasta and peas; toss gently to combine.