Pasta & Peas: Easy Homemade Italian Recipe with a Twist

Step into Nonna's kitchen and discover the heartwarming flavors of a beloved classic with a delightful twist: Pasta with Peas! This dish marries tender shell pasta with sweet, vibrant peas, all enveloped in a luscious parmesan egg mixture. The addition of eggs introduces an extra layer of creaminess, making this dish truly special.

Quick, easy, and perfect for any night of the week, this recipe is a comforting delight. Did you know that Pasta with Peas, or "Pasta e Piselli," is a traditional Neapolitan dish often enjoyed in the spring when fresh peas are abundant? Nonna’s version uses frozen peas, allowing you to enjoy this year-round!

INGREDIENTS: 

• Shell pasta: 2 cups

• Frozen peas: 1 bag (750 grams)

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

• Cooking onion: 1 large, chopped

• Italian parsley: ¼ cup, chopped

• Eggs: 3

• Parmesan cheese: 3 tablespoons

• Sea salt: 1 teaspoon

• Water for pasta: 10 cups (in a large pot)

• Water for peas: 2 cups

DIRECTIONS: 

Prepare the Peas:

• Heat a skillet or large pot over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it warm up.

• Add 1 large chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions turn golden and release their fragrance.

• Introduce 750 grams of frozen peas to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the peas are evenly coated with the oil and onions.

• Pour in 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid. Allow it to simmer gently for 5 minutes.

• Season with salt to taste and add a handful of chopped Italian parsley. Stir to combine everything together.

Cook the Peas to Perfection:

• Continue cooking the peas, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and fully cooked, about 20 minutes.

• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Add 1 tablespoon of sea salt to the boiling water.

Prepare the Egg Mixture:

• In a separate bowl, beat 3 large eggs. Add 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and mix until well combined.

• Once the peas are tender, pour the egg mixture over the peas. Stir gently to incorporate, then cover the skillet and turn off the heat. The residual heat will cook the eggs to a creamy consistency. Let it sit for a couple of minutes.

Cook the Pasta:

• Add 2 cups of shell pasta to the boiling salted water. Cook according to package instructions or until the pasta reaches your desired level of tenderness. For a traditional touch, cook the pasta until al dente.

• Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and add it to the skillet with the pea and egg mixture. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

Serve:

• Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the pasta and peas.

• Garnish with additional chopped Italian parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

• Serve immediately and savor this delightful, comforting dish.

Mangia! - and enjoy the love and flavors from Nonna’s kitchen.

Watch Nonna Make Pasta & Peas!

Tips to Enhance your Pasta & Peas Making Experience:

1. Benefit of Frozen Peas: Frozen peas are harvested and flash-frozen at their peak ripeness, ensuring they retain their sweetness and nutritional value. They are also convenient and available year-round, making them a reliable choice for this dish.

2. Proper Onion Sautéing: Make sure to sauté the onions until they are golden and caramelized. This step enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish.

3. Eggs and Cheese Integration: When adding the egg and Parmesan mixture to the peas, ensure the heat is turned off and the skillet is covered. The residual heat will cook the eggs gently, creating a creamy texture without scrambling them.

4. Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook the pasta until it is al dente (firm to the bite). This texture holds up better when mixed with the creamy peas and ensures the pasta doesn’t become mushy.

5. Seasoning Matters: Don’t be shy with the salt when seasoning the peas and pasta water. Proper seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients and ensures the dish is well-balanced.

6. Finishing Touch: For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a little high-quality olive oil over the finished dish before serving. This adds a lovely richness and enhances the overall taste.

Did you Know?

The addition of eggs in this Pasta with Peas recipe is a creative spin that brings it closer to a carbonara-style dish. In traditional Italian cuisine, carbonara involves mixing hot pasta with a raw egg and cheese mixture, creating a creamy sauce without the need for cream. This innovative twist not only adds extra creaminess but also provides a richer, more luxurious texture to the humble Pasta e Piselli, making it a fusion of two beloved Italian classics.

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