Description
Pasta e Piselli is a classic Italian comfort dish featuring tender peas and small pasta cooked together in a flavorful broth with aromatic vegetables and herbs. This hearty and easy-to-make recipe combines sautéed onions, carrot, celery, and garlic with peas and pasta, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried peas or 1 1/2 cups fresh/frozen peas
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until it releases its aroma without browning.
- Simmer peas: Add the peas, broth, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes if using dried peas or 5 minutes if using fresh or frozen peas, until the peas are tender.
- Cook pasta: Stir in the small pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to enrich the flavor and texture. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary. Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a non-vegetarian version, add pancetta or prosciutto during the sautéing stage for an extra savory depth.
- To achieve a creamier texture, stir in a splash of milk or cream just before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the peas against the pot side before adding the pasta.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian, or chicken broth for added richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
