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–+ servings
Pasta and peas.

Creamy Pasta e Piselli (One Pot Dinner)

Allie Hagerty
A fast, one-pot pasta dish where small pasta simmers in broth with sweet peas, onion, and Parmigiano Reggiano for a silky, glossy sauce. Simple, flexible, and deeply flavorful—perfect on its own or alongside chicken al limone.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Pasta
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or deep skillet
  • Wooden Spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 small garlic clove minced
  • 1 ½ cups frozen peas no need to thaw
  • 1 cup small pasta like ditalini or tubetti
  • 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth plus more as needed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tsp Freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add 1 ½ cups of frozen peas and 1 cup of small pasta to the pan. Stir to coat in the oil and aromatics.
  • Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10–12 minutes. Add more broth, ¼ cup at a time, if needed to keep things creamy.
  • Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and ½ cup of finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper.
  • Spoon into bowls and serve warm. Top with extra cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if you'd like.

Notes

  • Keep it Gentle: simmer softly and stir often; add broth little by little so the sauce stays glossy, not soupy.
  • Butter + Parm Go In Off Heat: if it tightens, loosen with a small splash of warm broth and stir until silky.
  • Season at the End: broth and cheese bring salt—finish with black pepper and a touch of lemon zest or fresh mint if you want extra lift.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 405kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 10gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 8mgPotassium: 272mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 592IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg
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