Pasta and Peas (Pasta e Piselli)
Category: First Courses | Serves: 4
Pasta e Piselli is a traditional Italian dish that combines the sweetness of fresh peas with the heartiness of pasta, making it a comforting and flavorful meal. This dish brings together simple, fresh ingredients and easy cooking techniques to create a delicious, family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ditaloni Rigati (or any short pasta) | 320g |
| Fresh Peas | 1kg |
| Fresh Spring Onion | 100g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 30g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP (grated) | 30g |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
To prepare Pasta and Peas, begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, then add a pinch of salt once it begins to bubble. This salty water will be used to cook the pasta later. While the water is heating up, prepare the peas by shelling them and setting them aside in a bowl. Next, take the spring onion, trim off the root end, and slice it in half lengthwise. Then, slice each half into thin half-moons, making it easier to cook and incorporate into the dish.
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced spring onion and sautรฉ it gently. Pour in a ladle of the pasta cooking water to soften the onion and create a flavorful base. Season with salt and pepper, and then add another ladle of pasta water to continue building flavor and ensuring the onions cook evenly.
While the onions are cooking, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook it for about 5 minutesโthis is half the time indicated on the pasta package. After 5 minutes, the pasta will still be al dente, which is perfect for finishing the cooking process in the pan with the peas.
Transfer the pasta into the pan with the spring onion mixture. Add the peas and gradually incorporate more of the pasta cooking water, allowing the pasta to finish cooking and absorb the flavors. Stir constantly, ensuring the pasta remains slightly moist and creamy, with all the ingredients melding together. This should take around 5 more minutes.
Once the pasta is fully cooked and the peas are tender, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano for added creaminess and flavor. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Your Pasta e Piselli is now ready to be served. Enjoy this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish as a perfect meal for any day of the week. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some crusty bread for a well-rounded dinner.
This recipe is an easy-to-follow classic that highlights the beauty of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The creamy texture of the pasta combined with the delicate sweetness of peas and the punch of Parmesan creates a comforting yet fresh dish. Simple, yet so full of flavorโPasta e Piselli will become a staple in your recipe repertoire, bringing the heart of Italian cooking right to your table.
