Pasta Piselli Recipe

Pasta Piselli Recipe is a delightful and nostalgic dish that combines the simplicity of sautéed peas with a rich tomato sauce. Inspired by childhood memories, this recipe features tender pasta shells enveloped in a flavorful mixture of garlic, frozen peas, and high-quality tomatoes.

The addition of Parmesan cheese brings a savory finish to this comforting meal. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner, Pasta Piselli captures the essence of home-cooked warmth and flavor.

Pasta Piselli Recipe

Ingredients:

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups frozen peas

1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 can (28 ounces) Cento San Marzano tomatoes, passed through a food mill, or S&W premium crushed tomatoes with basil

12 ounces pasta shells

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Cook the Peas:

Increase the heat to high and add the frozen peas to the skillet.

Season with salt, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.

Stir to combine.

Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the peas are tender.

Add the Tomatoes:

Stir in the crushed tomatoes or passed tomatoes.

Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the pea and tomato sauce.

Toss to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Serve:

Serve the pasta Piselli hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy:

Enjoy your Pasta Piselli as a comforting, flavorful dish that brings a touch of childhood nostalgia.

Notes:

Tomato Choice: Using Cento San Marzano tomatoes or S&W premium crushed tomatoes with basil enhances the flavor, but you can use any good-quality canned tomatoes if these aren’t available.

Garlic Sautéing: Be cautious not to burn the garlic when sautéing. It should be fragrant but not browned.

Adjusting Spice Levels: Red pepper flakes can be adjusted based on your spice preference. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.

Peas Cooking: Ensure the peas are thoroughly cooked to achieve the desired tenderness. If they seem undercooked after 10 minutes, simmer a bit longer.

Pasta Cooking: Salt the pasta water generously to infuse the pasta with flavor. This step is crucial for the overall taste of the dish.

Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta water before draining. It can help loosen the sauce and make it adhere better to the pasta.

Combining Pasta and Sauce: Toss the pasta shells with the sauce thoroughly to ensure even coating. Adding a bit of reserved pasta water can help integrate the sauce with the pasta.

Serving: Serve the dish hot, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Substitutes: If you don’t have frozen peas, fresh peas can be used. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Storage: The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh peas. If using fresh, cook them a bit longer until they are tender, as they may take more time than frozen peas.

What other types of pasta can I use besides shells?

You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.

Adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta.

Can I substitute the Cento San Marzano tomatoes with other types of tomatoes?

Yes, you can use other crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.

San Marzano tomatoes are preferred for their flavor, but any quality canned tomatoes will work.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as long as you use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based broth.

Ensure your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian if needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Reheat and then toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta shells or another gluten-free pasta substitute.

Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add protein to this dish, such as chicken or sausage?

Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, sausage, or any protein of your choice.

Cook and add it to the sauce along with the pasta.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Yes, pre-grated Parmesan cheese can be used.

Freshly grated Parmesan, however, often has better flavor and melts more smoothly.

What can I serve with Pasta Piselli?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.