Description
A simple and delightful dish combining ditalini pasta with fresh peas, Pecorino Romano cheese, and aromatic sautéed onions and garlic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ditalini or other small shape pasta
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion (finely diced)
- 1 clove garlic (finely diced)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 4 cups water (more as needed)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 14–16 oz baby peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese (grated, or Parmesan cheese)
Instructions
- Add the olive oil and chopped onions to a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the onions until soft, about 4 – 5 minutes. Don’t let the onions brown.
- Add the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes to the onions, cooking for an additional 1 minute.
- Pour in the water, add the salt, and stir in the baby peas. Bring this mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, remove some of the peas and mash them with a large spoon or fork to create a creamy texture.
- Add the pasta and mashed peas to the pot, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook the pasta following the package instructions for al dente, stirring often to prevent sticking.
- If the pasta isn’t fully cooked, add more water as needed, stirring until cooked to your desired doneness.
- When the pasta reaches al dente, remove the pot from heat. Mix in the cheese and chopped parsley.
- Taste the pasta and season with salt and black pepper as needed. If the pasta seems dry, add a little water to loosen it up.
- Serve hearty portions topped with additional grated cheese, black pepper, and a side of crusty bread.
Notes
Use seasonal peas for the best flavor. Adjust seasonings to your taste and consider adding fresh herbs before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pasta, peas, comfort food, vegetarian, Italian
