Imagine a dish so simple, even your cat could make it (if it had thumbs). One Pot Pasta e Piselli—creamy pasta and sweet peas in a savory broth—is the ultimate no-fuss, no-mess meal. No juggling multiple pans.
No fancy techniques. Just dump, stir, and devour. It’s the culinary equivalent of hitting the easy button.
Who has time for complicated recipes when hunger strikes like a hangry toddler? This dish solves dinner in 20 minutes flat. And yes, it tastes like you actually tried.
Why This Recipe Slaps
One Pot Pasta e Piselli isn’t just good—it’s stupidly convenient and delicious.
The starch from the pasta thickens the broth into a luscious sauce, while the peas add a pop of sweetness and color. It’s cheap, filling, and customizable. Plus, you’ll only dirty one pot.
If that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will. Maybe the fact that it’s kid-friendly, vegetarian, and borderline addictive?
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz short pasta (ditalini, elbows, or penne work best)
- 1 cup frozen peas (fresh works too, but who has time?)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth (water in a pinch, but broth = flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp onion powder if you’re lazy)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (jarred garlic won’t judge)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (because fat = happiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (plus extra for sprinkling like confetti)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this unless you enjoy bland food)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or fresh herbs for flair
How to Make It: The Lazy Way
- Sauté the aromatics. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, stirring until soft (about 3 minutes).
Don’t burn them—burnt garlic tastes like regret.
- Add the pasta and broth. Toss in the dry pasta and broth. Stir once, then let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally unless you enjoy scrubbing stuck pasta later.
- Throw in the peas. Add the peas and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid reduces to a creamy sauce.
If it looks too dry, add a splash of broth or water.
- Cheese it up. Off the heat, stir in the Parmesan. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve immediately—this isn’t a dish that improves with patience.
Storage Tips (If You Have Leftovers)
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce—microwave or stovetop works. FYI, the pasta will soak up liquid, so don’t panic if it thickens. Freezing?
IMO, pasta texture suffers, but it’s edible in a pinch.
Why This Recipe Wins at Life
This dish checks all the boxes: fast, cheap, easy, and tasty. It’s packed with carbs for energy, peas for fiber, and Parmesan for joy. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or when you’re too tired to adult.
Plus, it’s a blank canvas—add protein, swap veggies, or spice it up. Dinner shouldn’t be a chore, and this recipe proves it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta. Mushy pasta = sadness. Taste-test at the 10-minute mark.
- Using too little liquid. The pasta needs room to swim.
Add more broth if needed.
- Skipping the Parmesan. This isn’t the time for dietary restraint. Cheese is non-negotiable.
- Stirring too much. Let the pasta cook undisturbed sometimes. It’s not a needy toddler.
Swaps and Upgrades
No peas?
Use spinach, broccoli, or even canned chickpeas. Vegan? Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
Want protein? Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Gluten-free?
Swap the pasta for GF noodles (but adjust cooking time). Feeling fancy? Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil or fresh basil.
The world is your oyster—or in this case, your pasta bowl.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Sure, if you enjoy shelling peas like a 19th-century farmer. Frozen peas are just as nutritious and way easier. Toss them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
What if I don’t have Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano works, or any hard cheese.
In a pinch, a spoonful of cream cheese adds richness. But let’s be real—Parmesan is the MVP here.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Technically yes, but the pasta will keep absorbing liquid. Reheat with extra broth or water to revive it.
Fresh is best, though.
Why is my pasta sticking to the pot?
You didn’t stir enough, or the heat was too high. Medium heat + occasional stirring = no stickage. Scrape the bottom while you cook.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely.
It’s mild, creamy, and full of tiny pasta shapes kids love. Hide extra veggies in there if you’re feeling sneaky.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Pasta e Piselli is the dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. It’s forgiving, flexible, and faster than ordering takeout.
Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook, this dish delivers every time. So grab a pot, embrace the laziness, and enjoy a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. Your future self (and your dishwasher) will thank you.