Pasta e Piselli (Italian Pasta And Peas)

Pasta e Piselli, or Italian Pasta and Peas, combines tender baby shell pasta with vibrant green peas in a savory, comforting dish. This recipe features a base of sautéed onion and garlic, complemented by Italian herbs and a touch of shredded cheddar cheese for richness.

The pasta is parboiled to enhance its texture and then finished in a flavorful broth made from pasta water and peas. Garnished with a sprinkle of cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes, it’s a delightful blend of flavors perfect for a satisfying meal any time of year.

Pasta e Piselli (Italian Pasta And Peas)

Ingredients:

½ lb baby shell pasta

12 oz frozen peas

1 small onion diced

1 clove of garlic diced

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

¼ tsp. salt or to taste

¼ tsp. black pepper or to taste

1 tsp. Italian herb seasoning

Garnish. I garnished the dish with cheese dry parsley, and red flake pepper.

To cook ½ lb of pasta you need to add ½ tablespoon salt to ½ gallon (8 cups) of water in a 5- quart pot

Instructions:

Parboil the pasta. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta halfway according to its package instructions. Then, drain the pasta and save a cup of pasta water.

Saute veggies. Meanwhile, add oil to the skillet over medium-high heat and saute onion and garlic until golden.

Add peas and season. Add frozen peas, salt, black pepper, Italian herb, and a cup of pasta water.

Bring it to a boil and cover it with a lid. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Mix in parboiled pasta. Add parboiled pasta and mix it. Let the pasta cook through till al dente.

Cooking pasta this way adds more flavor to the pasta. Then turn off the heat and add the cheese and mix.

Garnish and serve. Taste it for seasonings and garnish the dish with cheese, dry parsley, and red flake pepper. Enjoy!

Notes:

Ingredient Choices: Use baby shell pasta for its shape and ability to hold onto the sauce. Frozen peas are convenient and retain their freshness when cooked gently.

Flavor Enhancement: Extra virgin olive oil provides a robust base for sautéing the onions and garlic, enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor. Italian herb seasoning complements the peas and pasta with its Mediterranean blend of herbs.

Cheese Incorporation: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy texture and a mild, tangy flavor to the dish. It melts into the pasta and peas mixture, enriching every bite.

Cooking Technique: Parboiling the pasta ensures it cooks perfectly in the sauce, absorbing flavors while retaining its al dente texture. Saving pasta water helps create a light sauce that coats the pasta evenly.

Garnishing and Serving: Garnishing with additional cheese, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes adds visual appeal and a final burst of flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Flexibility: This recipe can be customized with different herbs, cheeses, or even adding pancetta or bacon for additional savory notes.

Cooking Tip: Covering the skillet during simmering helps to infuse the flavors and cook the peas evenly. Adjust heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.

Enjoyment: Serve Pasta e Piselli as a comforting main dish or a hearty side. It’s versatile and pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 serving

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different pasta shape for this dish?

Yes, you can use your preferred pasta shape, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.

What does “parboil the pasta” mean?

Parboiling means partially boiling the pasta.

Cook it halfway to achieve a firmer texture in the final dish.

Is it essential to save pasta water?

Yes, saving pasta water is recommended.

It contains starch and can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh peas, adjusting the cooking time as needed until they are tender.

What role does Italian herb seasoning play?

Italian herb seasoning adds a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for a flavorful profile.

Adjust according to taste.

Can I substitute cheddar cheese with another type?

Certainly, feel free to use your preferred cheese, such as Parmesan or mozzarella.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

After draining, toss the parboiled pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

What does “al dente” mean?

“Al dente” refers to pasta that is cooked to be firm when bitten.

It should have a slight resistance to the tooth.

Why save a cup of pasta water?

Pasta water, rich in starch, can be added to the sauce to enhance its texture and help it adhere better to the pasta.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. You can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.