Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas) is my favorite one-pot meal from Naples! It's ready in less than 30 minutes! Add bacon if you wish, and don't miss the video!
Pasta is my life. I publish other recipes to keep everyone interested, but I secretly wonder, "Can I post another pasta dish now?"
I vote yes. So, behold, Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas), one of my all-time favorite meals.
This is a one-pot wonder from Naples that can be on your table in under 30 minutes. If it sounds similar to Pasta e Zucchini, Pasta e Broccoli and Pasta e Fagioli, you're onto something!
They're each a cross between soup and a pasta dish.
Pasta e Piselli features onions but no garlic, baby peas, small pasta, and equal parts Parmesan and Romano cheeses. I think it's the Pecorino Romano (affiliate link) that takes it over the top.
Mmmm.
Mom used to make this pasta and peas with bacon, but we've kept it meatless for several years now. We don't miss it, since there's plenty of flavor going on here.
If you're looking for a fabulous vegetarian meal, this is it! But, see the recipe notes for instructions to add bacon.
In case you're wondering, I love all of these one-pot pasta dishes that I grew up eating and now make for my family. But if I had to choose my absolute favorite...it's Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas) for the win!
Promise me you'll try it. It's the perfect meatless meal for Lent or any night of the week! And be sure to try these Sautéed Italian Peas!
(Recipe Source: Adapted from Mom's version of this dish, which she learned from Nonna. Originally published on February 10, 2016, and republished now with a video, updated photos and text and a new recipe card.)
Here's the old photo. What a difference a few years makes!
E-Cookbook!
With my Pasta & Sauces collection, even a beginner can cook like an Italian nonna!
Pasta e Piselli (Peas)
Ingredients
- 1 medium white onion (peeled & chopped)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 13-ounce package frozen baby peas
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 4 ½ cups hot water
- 1 pound ditalini or other small pasta (from a box)
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Romano cheese
- red pepper flakes for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and chop your onion. Heat the oil in a large pot on medium-high. Add the onions to the pot and stir to coat them with oil. Cook the onions for five minutes or until they're soft, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. While the onions are cooking, you can grate your cheeses if needed.
- Add the frozen peas, salt and pepper to the pot and stir to combine. Let the peas cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally. They should be almost fully cooked.
- Add your water to the pot and increase the heat to high. Cover the pot with a lid and let the water come to a boil. When the water is boiling, add your pasta and stir it to prevent sticking. Lower the heat slightly and cook the pasta, uncovered, until it's al dente, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot. When the pasta is cooked, do NOT drain the water.
- Turn off the heat and stir in your Parmesan and Romano. Taste to see if you need any extra salt. (You may not, since the Romano is salty.)
- Serve with extra Parmesan (or Romano) and red pepper flakes at the table. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Notes
- I like to use a white onion here, since it's more mild than the yellow or red ones.
- I always use baby peas, since they're more sweet than regular peas.
- If you want to make this with meat, you can add chopped bacon or pancetta when the onions are soft. Use 3 strips of thick bacon or 4 strips of thin bacon.
- Use boxed pasta for this recipe. We haven't tested it with homemade pasta, which cooks much faster and may not provide enough time for the water to absorb.
Rose
Will make it,my Mom use to make it when I was growing up and absolutely loved it, thanks for the recipe!
Mamma C
Hi Rose - I hope you enjoy it!
Fran
My mom made this a lot when I was growing up. One of my favorite meals. Thank you for sharing the recipe
Mamma C
Hi Fran - You're welcome! Enjoy.
Riya
Loved its taste....
Mamma C
Hi Riya - I'm so glad you loved the pasta with peas! Thanks for letting me know.
Christine Petras
This is delicious, easy & vegetarian! A win win for my family!
Mamma C
Hi Christine - I'm so glad to hear that! Thanks for letting me know.
Susan Ciaccia - Dollinger
Loved loved loved it but for some reason I had all of my liquid cook off
Mamma C
Hi Susan - I'm so glad you loved it! If all the liquid cooked off, you might need to lower the heat next time when you're cooking the pasta. Keep in mind that usually, a little liquid is present when serving, but it absorbs very quickly. If you want more liquid, you could try adding an extra half cup of water next time before boiling the pasta. You could also drizzle olive oil on top before serving.
Cindy Wooters
This looks amazing and incorporates some of my family’s favorites! Thank you
Mamma C
Hi Cindy - You're welcome! Enjoy.
Jay
Made this dish this weekend and it was super easy and turned out great. I did add pancetta to it .
Mamma C
Hi Jay - I'm so happy you enjoyed the Pasta with Peas! Pancetta would be great here.
Cheryl
Can fresh peas be substituted ?
Mamma C
Hi Cheryl - Sure. Just cook them for less time when you add them to the pan.
TJ
We love this dish! Can't wait to make it again.
Mamma C
Hi TJ - I'm so glad! Thanks for letting me know.
Adena
This did not turn out the way it should have at all. There was a ton of water left over, even after adding the cheese. Also, the cheese became string-like and settled all at the bottom and the peas were way overcooked as well. I do not recommend this recipe.
Mamma C
Hi Adena - This is a recipe that's been made probably 1,000 times in my family over many decades. It's also been made successfully by many others. I'm wondering what you might have done differently. I'm guessing you used more water than the recipe called for. Also, do you have a regular stove, or something that cooks extra fast? Did you use boxed pasta made from white flour?
Joseph
Try using a wok. Better results
Mamma C
Hi Joseph - That's interesting. Did you pour all the water in at once or one ladle at a time, like risotto?
S d
Use real cheese. Hand grate it and add while stirring
RoseAnn Saeva
Thank you! Were having this tonite..... cant wait! Its like my mom made
Mamma C
Hi RoseAnn - I hope you love this as much as we do!
ninphia ridley
what goes with it
Mamma C
Hi Ninphia - We usually have this as a vegetarian meal with The Best Italian Green Salad with Homemade Dressing. You could have the pasta with peas as a first dish, then serve this Baked Cod with Parmesan and Garlic Butter or Breaded Italian Chicken Cutlets. Enjoy!