Pasta With Peas is the one-pot meal I can’t get enough of! Creamy Parmesan pasta with sweet peas and a simple, flavorful seasoning blend.
Author’s Notes
Why I’m So Obsessed With This One-Pot Pasta
I love a good one-pot pasta, but this one might honestly take the top spot for flavor and ease. It’s one of the simplest pasta recipes on this entire site and it is not lacking in the flavor department!
There’s no veggie chopping, no straining or draining, and the flavor is pure comfort food while still feeling lighter. There’s no heavy cream or flour-based roux. Instead, the pasta releases starch as it cooks, which naturally thickens the sauce.
The only step that takes a little extra time is grating the Parmesan. But, trust me, it’s worth it! Grab a block of Parmesan and grate it on a microplane. That finely textured cheese melts smoothly and makes all the difference in this dish. I can’t wait for you to try this Pasta With Peas!
Pasta With Peas: The Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Ditalini pasta | Small pasta works best because it cooks quickly and releases starch that naturally thickens the sauce. |
| Chicken broth & whole milk | This combo creates a creamy sauce without needing any cream. |
| Parmesan cheese | Use a block of Parmesan and grate it with a microplane. The super-fine texture melts smoothly into this pasta with peas. |
| Frozen peas | No need to thaw completely. They warm through quickly when stirred in at the end and keep their bright color and sweetness. |
| Butter, lemon juice & seasonings | Butter adds richness while the lemon brightens the dish. The simple seasoning blend gives plenty of flavor! |
How To Make Pasta With Peas
- Prep: Mix seasonings and measure out ingredients so everything is ready.
- Bloom spices: Melt butter in a pot over a medium burner and mix in seasonings.
- Add liquids: Pour in broth and milk and bring to a boil.
- Cook pasta: Add pasta and cook at a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Finish: Remove from heat and mix in cheese, peas, butter, and lemon juice.
the cook’s Top Tip
Use The Right Pot
Use a nonstick pot for this pasta with peas recipe. Keep the heat at a gentle boil once the pasta is added. Stir often and run a silicone spatula along the bottom of the pot to lift any pasta that may be settling. This prevents sticking and helps the sauce stay smooth and creamy.
More straightforward Dinner Recipes:
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Sweet Potato And Sausage (One Pan!)What To Serve On The Side
If I’m making this pasta with peas for a quick dinner, I usually keep it simple. But if I want to round it out a bit more, here are a few straightforward ideas:
- Add some protein: Blackened shrimp, baked chicken, salmon, or rotisserie chicken
- Add a salad: A simple green salad, Caesar salad, or quick cucumber salad
- Pair with bread: Garlic bread, a crusty baguette, or dinner rolls
- More veggies: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1-3/4 cups chicken broth (Swanson recommended)
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1-1/2 cups ditalini
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (see note 1)
- 1 up to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Method
- Set the frozen peas out so they can partially thaw. Pull out the milk to get it to room temperature.
- Add 3 tablespoons of the butter to a nonstick soup pot over a medium burner. Once melted, add the seasoning mixture. Stir constantly until the butter begins to foam.
- Pour in the chicken broth and milk and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then add the ditalini. Return to a gentle boil and cook uncovered for 7 minutes. Run a silicone spatula along the bottom of the pot often to lift any pasta that may be settling. Taste the pasta for doneness before moving on. If needed, cook a little longer just until pasta is al dente. Add a splash more liquid if needed.
- Remove the pot from the heat and gradually (one handful at a time) mix in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted. Add the peas, remaining 1 tablespoon butter, and lemon juice.
- Cover the pot briefly to allow the butter to melt. Gently stir everything together and serve while it is hot. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of milk in to thin.
