Fresh Spring Pasta e Piselli (Pasta and Peas) Recipe

Comfort comes in many forms, and this classic pasta e piselli weaves a delightful Italian culinary magic that warms hearts instantly.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet soulful dish, turning humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

The creamy, verdant sauce coats each pasta shape with rich flavor and nostalgic charm.

Tender green peas nestle between pasta shells, creating pockets of sweet brightness in every bite.

Each spoonful tells a story of tradition, simplicity, and pure Mediterranean comfort.

Regional variations add personal touches, making this recipe a canvas for individual creativity.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly these ingredients dance together on your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 5

Pasta e Piselli (Pasta and Peas) – Ingredients Overview

• Shallot: Aromatic foundation that adds delicate sweetness and depth to the dish, choose firm and smooth shallots without blemishes.
• Olive Oil: Provides silky base for sautéing, select extra virgin for rich, authentic Mediterranean flavor.

• Pasta: Classic Italian short shape that captures sauce perfectly, opt for high-quality durum wheat pasta with rough texture.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid gold that creates creamy consistency and helps bind sauce, always reserve before draining.

• Peas: Sweet, vibrant vegetables that bring freshness and bright color, choose tender frozen or fresh spring peas.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty element that enhances overall taste, select freshly grated for maximum flavor complexity.
• Fresh Basil: Herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish, pick bright green leaves without wilting.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and amplifies other ingredients, use freshly ground for best results.

Tools Needed for Cooking Pasta e Piselli

• Large Deep Pan or Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing shallots and cooking the entire dish.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling pasta with plenty of water.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping shallots finely.
• Sharp Knife: Required to mince shallots precisely.
• Grater: Helps create fresh parmesan cheese topping.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for accurately measuring pasta water.

How to Make Classic Pasta e Piselli

• Shallot Preparation

Warm olive oil in a spacious pan and gently soften chopped shallots until they release their sweet aroma.

• Pasta Boiling

Start a water bath for pasta, adding a generous sprinkle of salt. Cook pasta briefly, saving some starchy liquid before draining.

• Pea Introduction

Slide tender peas into the pan with sautéed shallots. Pour in some reserved pasta water and let them swim and soften.

• Pasta Marriage

Slide partially cooked pasta into the pea mixture. Stir lovingly, adding splash of pasta water until noodles reach perfect tenderness.

• Final Flourish

Remove from heat and shower with grated parmesan and torn fresh basil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to awaken the flavors. Serve immediately with an extra dusting of cheese for pure comfort.

Flavor Tips for Pasta e Piselli (Peas & Pasta)

• Crisp up some pancetta or bacon before sautéing the shallot to add a rich, smoky undertone to the dish.
• Swap traditional small pasta like ditalini with orzo, small shells, or broken spaghetti for interesting texture variations.
• Toss in additional tender vegetables like chopped spinach, zucchini, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• Stir in a dollop of mascarpone or ricotta cheese at the end for a luxurious, velvety sauce that adds silky richness to the simple pasta.
• Fold in cooked shredded chicken, canned tuna, or white beans to transform this light side dish into a complete and satisfying meal in minutes.

Serving Pasta e Piselli the Traditional Way

• Rustic Family Dinner: Gather loved ones around the table for a comforting, homestyle meal that brings everyone together with its simple yet delicious flavors.
• Cheese Lover's Delight: Sprinkle extra parmesan on top for a rich, creamy texture that melts beautifully into the warm pasta and peas, creating a decadent experience.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Chop additional fresh basil or try fresh parsley as a vibrant garnish that adds a bright, aromatic touch to the classic Italian dish, elevating its freshness and visual appeal.
• Mediterranean Lunch Companion: Pair with a crisp white wine or a light salad to complement the creamy, hearty nature of the pasta, transforming it into a complete and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Storing Pasta e Piselli for Meals Later

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta slightly loose to maintain its texture and prevent clumping.
• Quick Reheating Method: Warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water or broth. Stir continuously to redistribute the sauce and prevent drying out. Add extra parmesan for refreshed flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Freeze portions in sealed containers for maximum 2 weeks. Separate the pasta and peas from fresh herbs to maintain their vibrant taste and texture when thawing.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare base sauce and peas ahead of time. Store separately in the refrigerator for 2 days. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve, combining components for a quick, delicious meal that tastes freshly made.

Hearty Pasta e Piselli

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty pasta e piselli celebrates simple Italian comfort cooking with green peas and pancetta. Creamy pasta combines pantry staples for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g (1 lb) peas (fresh or frozen)
• 320 g (11 oz) ditalini or small pasta
• 50 g (1 cup) parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus extra for serving)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large shallot (finely chopped)
• Handful of fresh basil (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Aromatics Awakening: Gently caramelize shallots in olive oil over medium heat, coaxing out their subtle, sweet essence until translucent and fragrant.
2. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water pot to a vigorous boil, then partially cook pasta, reserving the starchy cooking liquid for later use.
3. Pea Transformation: Introduce vibrant green peas to the shallot-infused skillet, allowing them to simmer and soften in the reserved pasta water, creating a delicate, verdant base.
4. Flavor Fusion: Merge the partially cooked pasta into the pea-laden pan, gradually incorporating additional starchy liquid while stirring attentively to achieve a luxurious, creamy texture and perfect al dente pasta.
5. Final Flourish: Remove from heat, gracefully fold in freshly grated parmesan and torn basil leaves, seasoning with salt and cracked black pepper to elevate the dish’s nuanced flavor profile.
6. Culinary Presentation: Immediately plate the pasta, adorning with an extra sprinkle of parmesan, showcasing this rustic Italian classic that epitomizes seasonal simplicity and comfort.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy cooking liquid to create a silky, glossy sauce that binds ingredients perfectly and enhances overall flavor depth.
• Al Dente Mastery: Cook pasta only halfway in boiling water to ensure it finishes cooking in the skillet, absorbing maximum flavor and maintaining ideal texture.
• Gentle Simmering Technique: Low and slow heat allows peas and shallots to develop rich, subtle flavors without burning or losing their delicate sweetness.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Add basil and parmesan at the end to preserve their vibrant taste and prevent wilting or cheese separation, maintaining the dish’s bright, fresh character.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg