Pasta Piselli is a classic, comforting Italian dish that proves simple ingredients can deliver big flavor. With just six main components and minimal prep, this rustic pasta with peas recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or light spring meals. Passed down from grandma’s kitchen, it’s a nostalgic, no-fuss dish that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and sweet peas for a fast, flavorful meal.
-
Ready in under 30 minutes: Perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute meals.
-
Comforting and nostalgic: A traditional Italian recipe with homemade charm.
-
Versatile: Easily made vegan or customized with herbs, cheese, or added protein.
-
One-pan finish: Pasta is tossed directly in the sauce for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
⅓ sweet onion (about 75g)
5 ounces pasta (about 144g)
½ cup sweet baby peas (125g), drained
½ teaspoon organic cane sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup liquid from canned peas (180ml)
⅓ cup starchy pasta water (180ml)
Optional toppings: Vegan parmesan, fresh basil
Directions
-
Sauté onions:
In a medium frying pan, add a drizzle of olive oil and the chopped sweet onion. Sauté over very low heat for 8 minutes, until soft, translucent, and fragrant. Avoid browning or caramelizing. -
Boil pasta:
While the onions cook, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook to your preferred doneness. Reserve ⅓ cup of the starchy cooking water before draining. -
Add peas and simmer:
After the onions are soft, add the drained peas, ⅓ cup of reserved pea liquid, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine. Raise the heat to medium-low and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing most of the liquid to cook off. -
Combine pasta and sauce:
Add the cooked pasta and the reserved starchy pasta water to the pan. Toss gently over low heat for 1–2 minutes until the pasta absorbs the sauce. It should remain slightly saucy and glossy. -
Serve:
Spoon into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, top with vegan parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
-
Add protein: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas for a heartier dish.
-
Cheesy finish: Top with grated parmesan or pecorino for a richer flavor.
-
Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions.
-
Herb boost: Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or mint for a fresh herbal note.
-
Use frozen peas: No canned peas? Frozen sweet peas work just as well—just boil or steam briefly before adding.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
Yes! Just boil or steam the frozen peas until tender before adding them to the onions.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are traditional, but any pasta you love will work.
Is this dish vegan?
Yes, it is naturally vegan. Just skip any dairy cheese and use a plant-based alternative if desired.
Why add sugar to pasta?
The small amount of sugar balances the savory and brings out the sweetness in the peas and onion.
Can I use red or yellow onion?
Yes, but sweet onion adds the most delicate, mellow flavor to the dish.
Do I have to use canned pea liquid?
It enhances the flavor and gives the sauce a slightly creamy texture. If not using canned peas, substitute with vegetable broth or pasta water.
Can I make this ahead?
You can prep the onions and peas ahead of time, but the pasta is best cooked fresh. Leftovers reheat well though!
What does “starchy pasta water” do?
It helps thicken the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta thanks to the natural starches released during cooking.
What if my pasta dries out?
Add an extra splash of starchy water or a drizzle of olive oil before serving to revive the sauciness.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s mild, soft in texture, and subtly sweet—perfect for little eaters.
Conclusion
Pasta Piselli is the perfect example of how humble ingredients can come together to create something truly comforting and delicious. With its creamy texture, gentle flavors, and simple preparation, this classic Italian dish is ideal for both busy nights and relaxed weekend meals. Try it once, and you’ll see why grandma’s recipe still stands the test of time.
Print
Pasta Piselli
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Pasta Piselli is a simple and comforting Italian dish made with just six ingredients in under 30 minutes. Featuring tender pasta, sweet peas, and a light, flavorful sauce, this recipe is perfect for a quick springtime meal inspired by grandma’s cooking.
Ingredients
- ⅓ sweet onion (about 75g), finely chopped
- 5 ounces (144g) pasta
- ½ cup (125g) sweet baby peas, drained
- ½ teaspoon organic cane sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup (80ml) liquid from can of peas
- ⅓ cup (80ml) starchy pasta water
- Optional: vegan parmesan cheese and fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- In a medium frypan, add a bit of oil and the chopped onion. Sauté over very low heat for 8 minutes, until the onion is translucent and fragrant but not browned.
- Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta to your desired doneness.
- After the onion has cooked for 8 minutes, add the peas, liquid from the peas, salt, and sugar to the pan. Increase heat to medium-low and cook for 5 more minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Reserve ⅓ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Add the drained pasta and reserved starchy pasta water to the pan with the peas and onion. Toss everything together and cook over low heat for 1–2 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed, leaving just enough for a saucy coating.
- Serve warm with vegan parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
- Do not brown the onions; they should be soft and translucent for the right flavor base.
- This dish is traditionally light, so avoid overcooking or thickening the sauce too much.
- Pairs well with crusty bread and a green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
