Pasta e piselli, or pasta and peas, is a simple pasta dish that’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. The creamy pasta and the sweet peas marry together beautifully with grated cheese for the ultimate comfort food.
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Editor’s Note: Originally published on 9/5/2019. Updated with full process shots and expanded info.
Table of Contents
There is something so comforting about the combination of pasta and peas.
Whether it’s in this white pasta e piselli, shells with pancetta and peas, or pasta with peas in red sauce, the sweetness of the peas and the creamy, starchy pasta is a winning combination.
Since this dish is made with ingredients you likely already have on hand (frozen peas, onion, and pasta), it’s perfect for times when you don’t want to run to the grocery store but still want something good!
Pasta and peas is a cucina povera dish similar to pasta fagioli, pasta con broccoli, and pasta e patate. Inexpensive and super satisfying. A perfect combination!
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Recipe Ingredients
All ingredients for this recipe are shown in the pic below and special notes are made in this bulleted list to assist you.
- Pasta. Ditalini is almost always used for pasta e piselli but other small shapes will work well too.
- Peas. Traditionally this dish was made with canned peas (cucina povera). They impart a certain flavor that some people love, but I like to use frozen peas. Use what you like!
- Pecorino. The cheese I almost always use. Save the expensive Parmigiano Reggiano for a cheese board.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make pasta and peas
Each number corresponds to the numbered written steps below.
- Heat a large pot or pan to a touch less than medium heat and add 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil and the onions. Cook the onions for 5-7 minutes until very soft, then add a 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds. Note: You want to get the onions nice and soft, but impart no color to them. Lower the heat or add a touch of water if they start to burn.
- Add 4 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 pound of frozen peas, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, mash some of the peas against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon.
- Add 1 pound of ditalini (or other small pasta) and turn the heat down to medium.
- Cook the pasta at a moderate simmer until al dente, stirring very frequently to avoid sticking. If the pasta dries out, add a touch more water as needed to loosen it up.
- Once you’re satisfied with the consistency and the pasta has reached al dente, remove the pot from the heat and add the grated cheese. Note: the pasta will take longer to cook than what the package instructions say when cooking in this manner.
- Taste test and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta e piselli in bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and more grated Pecorino Romano and enjoy!
Top tips
- Equipment. Because of the amount of pasta, peas, and pasta water needed for the dish, a large pot or Dutch oven is best.
- Peas. We prefer frozen peas for this recipe because they’re almost always in our freezer and they taste great. If you prefer to use canned peas, you can, but be sure to drain and rinse them first. Fresh peas are a great option, and we use them in our rigatoni primavera, but they may require additional cooking time. They are of course harder to find and get a bit away from the tradition of this pantry pasta.
- Consistency. Smash the peas to your liking. We smash a few but do prefer the peas intact for our pasta e piselli. Also, if you want a soupier consistency, add more water as needed.
- Additions. Many people add pancetta to their pasta e piselli, which is a great addition. Garlic, anchovies, and fresh parsley would also be great. If you prefer Parmigiano to Pecorino, you can substitute that as well.
More pantry pastas you’ll love
Pasta e Piselli (Pasta and Peas)
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454g) ditalini or other small shape pasta
- 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
- 4 cups (960ml) water plus more to thin
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste
- 1 pound (454g) frozen peas
- 1 cup (90g) grated Pecorino Romano
- pepper to taste
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Instructions
- Heat a large pot or pan to a touch less than medium heat and add the olive oil and onions. Cook the onions until soft (about 5-7 minutes), then add the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the water, salt, and peas and bring to a boil. Once boiling, mash some of the peas with a wooden spoon.
- Add the pasta and turn the heat down to medium. Cook the pasta at a moderate simmer until al dente. Make sure to stir frequently to avoid sticking and add more water if the pot begins to dry out.
- When satisfied with the consistency and the pasta has reached al dente, remove the pot from the heat and mix in the cheese. Taste test and season with salt and pepper. If the pasta is at all dry, add extra water to loosen it up.
- Serve in bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a generous amount of grated Pecorino Romano. Enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta. Any smallish pasta (small shells, elbows, orecchiette, etc.) works well.
- Technique. Make sure to stir very frequently and add more water as required to avoid sticking.
- Consistency. Some people prefer this dish on the soupier side. If you do, just use extra water.
- Variations. Garlic, fresh herbs, pancetta, anchovies, and a variety of other ingredients can be used to enhance this classic recipe.
- Leftovers. Pasta and peas can be saved for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This recipe was originally published on September 5, 2019. It was completely updated on April 6, 2023.
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I was really craving a veggie pasta and this was simple and easy to follow with minimal ingredients. I’m not sure what I was expecting but it wasn’t this. The pecorino Romano was so overpowering in the recipe and I couldn’t even eat it. And I maybe least picky eater I know. I ended up covering it in red sauce to make it edible.
I absolutely love you guys and I’ve spread the word of what a wonderful teacher you are. Every recipe I’ve tried came out perfect. I’ve been cooking for60 years and you have taught me better methods. Thank you
We appreciate you spreading the word, Celeste, and so happy the recipes are helpful to you!
Read through all the comments does this freeze well? If I make it, let it come to room temperature and put it in freezing containers. Will that be OK?
Hi Brenda, you could freeze it, but it will be much better made fresh. My concern is that the pasta will be too mushy when reheated.
Are the calories per recipe or servings? How many servings are in this recipe?
Hi Dot, the recipe card is written for 4 servings and the nutritional information is per serving.
Looks great, my mom and grandmother always made it with the red sauce and water. I actually never made it with just Water. My question is, where does the flavor come from? Because you’re not putting broth in it, so I was just wondering.
Jim, I love your recipes they remind me of my grandmother way of cooking. She was from Naples. She was a great cook. Everything she cooked was delicious. You’re such a young man. How did you learn to cook the old dishes. you’re right the cooking is basic and simple. I also love the way you prepare your ingredients to inform us I just love you that’s all what else could I say you’re great and I love it when your son rates the recipes. You have a lovely family. God bless you by the way I’m 91 and remember how my grandmother cooked
Hi Fran, thank you so much for the great comment. We appreciate you following along with us and we’re so happy you are enjoying the recipes!
So easy, simple and delicious! Real comfort food! I used Orecchiette with mine. The peas fit right in the little ears.😁Thanks!
We’re getting our 1st winter storm here in Chicago, so making this dish came to mind as a good way to fight the cold. I had most of the ingredients in my pantry. It’s tasty and easy to make. Next time I’d add more pepper flakes and maybe some of the extras mentioned in the Notes.
I’ll make this again.
Quick, easy, delicious! Sometimes I add ham or pancetta. I just tried sautéing some chopped sweet peppers and added to onions and it was terrific. Great recipe
Hi Barbara, we’re so happy you enjoyed and thanks for the comment!
Just wanted to say hello to your family. Im rarly new here. I love your recipes and yalls personalitys are so amazing. I love watching cook channels but u guys bring alot to the table. I can actually watch your cooking and be entertained at the same time. If that makes since. Thank u guys im also dealing with some real life struggles. U help me in more ways than one so again thank u so much. 🙂
Hi Josh, thanks for the message and we’re so happy you’re enjoying the channel and recipes. All the best to you!
Jim, when I was growing up my mom made a simple pasta Fazoul with cannellini beans on the soupy side . Simply a little olive oil and garlic, chicken stock , Ditalini pasta , some canned tomatoes crushed(just enough to make the broth soupy red).
But my favorite was to substitute the peas for the beans . And we called it pasta Piselli.
Hi Tomaso, thanks for the comment and your moms recipe sounds great!
Hi can you use can peas if you dont have frozen peas?
Hi Lucille, you can use canned peas, although we haven’t tested the recipe with canned so can’t say for sure what the results would be.
Hi Tara thanks if I make it with can peas I’ll update you on the results. Love your recipes and when Jim & your son do the blind taste test.
Thanks, Lucille! Please let us know and we’re happy you’re enjoying the recipes and taste-tests!
Loved it!!
Hi Alean, we’re so happy you enjoyed the recipe and appreciate your comment!
LOVED IT!
Hi Joyce, we’re so happy to hear you loved this recipe and really appreciate the comment!
I love this recipe, thank you
Hi Kathleen, we’re so happy you enjoyed the recipe and really appreciate the comment!
Love this
My favorite when I was a kid
Tonight I’m making your chicken thighs
Hi Liane, thanks for the comment and so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Hope you like the chicken as well!
The is perfect! I added pancetta (and garlic) so it took closer to an hour to prepare. This will stay in our regular rotation!
Hi Melanie, I’m so happy you enjoyed this one and really appreciate the comment!
I make peas and pasta very often. From Mom and Dad, they made it for us all the time years ago. I also make the linguini, oglio e olio from my parents also. We are originally from Brooklyn, Italian….so we grew up with these recipes. Thanks, Jim. 5/5/23.
Hi Ann Marie, I’m so happy you enjoyed this one and appreciate the comment!
Easy and delicious!! What a great combo!
Hi Barbara, so happy you enjoyed this one and really appreciate the comment!
Delicious!!!!
Hi Denise, thanks for the comment and so happy you enjoyed!
You make it all so easy and soooo delicious plus they’re all dishes I grew up with….thank you Jim, been following you from the beginning….Bravo! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Hi Maria, so happy you’re enjoying the recipes and thanks for following along since the beginning!
The ditalini has a cooking time of about 10 minutes using the normal cooking method. With the timing involved in this recipe, it appears the peas will be cooking for up to 15 minutes. Isn’t that too long for frozen peas? I usually boil frozen peas for about 5 minutes.
Hi Kenneth, no, the peas can withstand the cooking for the time stated in the recipe. You can watch my video within the recipe card to see.