Nani's Simple Pasta With Peas

Name: Nani's Simple Pasta With Peas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces short pasta like shells or orecchiette; 2 cups frozen peas; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream or pasta water; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional fresh mint leaves for garnish

This creamy pasta with sweet peas is a comforting, easy meal that comes together in one pan.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 Italian· July 19, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

5 minutes

Cook

15 minutes

Total

20 minutes

Serves

Pasta with peas is one of those meals I reach for when I want something quick, filling, and genuinely delicious. It is a classic combination that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, especially on busy weeknights.

My favorite thing about this dish is how the starch from the pasta water creates a lovely sauce with the cheese. If you have any fresh mint on hand, toss a little bit in at the end for a bright, fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the peas.

🧺 Ingredients

12 ounces short pasta like shells or orecchiette
2 cups frozen peas
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream or pasta water
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional fresh mint leaves for garnish

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2
Add the frozen peas to the boiling water during the last two minutes of the pasta cooking time.
3
Drain the pasta and peas, but be sure to reserve about half a cup of the starchy cooking water before you drain them.
4
Return the pot to the stove over medium heat and melt the butter with the olive oil.
5
Add the garlic and cook for about one minute until it smells fragrant.
6
Toss the pasta and peas back into the pot, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and the cream or reserved pasta water.
7
Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and coats the pasta nicely.
8
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately with extra cheese on top.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can add a splash of water or milk when reheating to bring the creamy texture back to life.

#Vegetarian #Easy Dinner #One Pot Meal #Pasta #Quick Meals

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