Creamy Pasta E Piselli Italian Pea Pancetta Pasta

Ready for Some Comfort Food? Let's Talk Pasta e Piselli

Ever crave something simple, comforting, and utterly delicious? I do! That's when my mind immediately goes to pasta e piselli .

It's the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. You'll love this pasta e piselli recipe , because it is easy to make and full of flavour.

What Exactly Is Pasta e Piselli ?

Pasta e piselli , which translates to "pasta and peas," is an Italian comfort food staple. Think of it as a hug in a bowl from Nonna! Originating from Southern Italy, it is super simple.

This family friendly pancetta pasta is quick to throw together about 40 minutes and serves 4.

This Is More Than Just Pea and Pasta Soup

This isn’t your average soup, mind you! This easy Italian recipe is packed with flavour from the pancetta and Parmesan.

Plus, it sneaks in a serving of veggies. I am telling you that is the perfect quick weeknight dinner idea ! Honestly, it's the ideal Italian comfort food for a chilly evening.

The Magic Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• 4 ounces pancetta, diced.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 6 cups chicken broth.
• 1 cup ditalini pasta recipe .
• 10 ounces frozen peas.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan pasta recipes , plus more for serving.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Healthyish and Hearty

Beyond its comforting taste, pasta with peas vegetarian is actually pretty good for you. The peas add fibre and vitamins, while the Parmesan provides a boost of calcium.

The key to making pasta e piselli recipe special, is the perfect balance of salty pancetta, sweet peas, and creamy broth.

Let's Get Cooking!

So, are you ready to ditch the takeout menu and dive into a bowl of pasta e piselli ? Next, we'll go through the ingredients list, and the step-by-step instructions.

Trust me, you'll be saying "Delizioso!" in no time! I can't wait to share this recipe with you!

Ingredients & Equipment for Perfect Pasta e Piselli

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks! Making pasta e piselli doesn't need fancy schmancy stuff. I'll give you a rundown of what you need.

It's easy Italian recipes like this one that make weeknights bearable.

Main Ingredients

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Go for extra virgin for the best flavor.
• Pancetta, diced: 4 ounces (115g). Look for a good marbling of fat.
• Onion, finely chopped: 1 small (about 1 cup). Yellow or white will do.
• Garlic, minced: 2 cloves . Fresh is always best, innit?
• Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 L). Low sodium is always a good shout. Veggie broth works too for a pasta with peas vegetarian version.
• Small pasta, such as ditalini or orzo: 1 cup (100g). I love ditalini pasta recipe for this.
• Frozen peas: 10 ounces (285g). Fresh peas are a treat if you have them!
• Parmesan cheese, grated: 1/2 cup (50g). Plus more for serving, naturally.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: 1/4 cup .
• Salt and pepper: To taste, obviously.

Seasoning Notes

This is where you can put your own spin on things.

The classic combo is salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Trust me, it is a winner! For aromatics, the garlic and onion are key.

Want to switch things up? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Smoked paprika is great for a pea and pasta soup version, especially if you ditch the pancetta pasta .

Equipment Needed

You really don't need much to whip up this pasta e piselli recipe .

All you need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a chopping board and knife, and measuring cups and spoons.

A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring is a must. If you don't have a Dutch oven, any large pot will do.

Honestly, this is one of those quick weeknight dinner ideas that doesn't require a whole arsenal of equipment. No stress, eh? Time to make some delicious Italian comfort food! And of course, more delicious Parmesan pasta recipes .

Let's Get Cooking: Creamy Pasta e Piselli !

Alright, buckle up buttercups. We're diving headfirst into a bowl of pure comfort: creamy pasta e piselli . Seriously, this is my go-to Italian comfort food when I need a hug in a bowl.

Think of it as Italy's answer to a really good pea and ham soup but with pasta. It is a classic Italian pea pasta recipe.

And the best part? It is such a quick weeknight dinner idea !

Prep Like a Pro

• Essential mise en place: First things first, dice your 115g of pancetta, chop 1 cup of onion, and mince those 2 cloves of garlic. Get your 100g of ditalini pasta recipe or orzo ready. Have your 285g frozen peas, 50g grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley standing by.
• Time saving organization tips: I like to measure out all my spices beforehand. It just makes things flow smoother, you know?
• Safety reminders: Watch out for that hot oil when you're crisping the pancetta. Nobody wants a trip to A&E!

step-by-step to Deliciousness

1. Sizzle that diced 115g pancetta in 30 ml olive oil until crispy. Set aside, keeping that glorious rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté 1 cup chopped onion until soft. Add 2 minced cloves of garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in 1.4L chicken broth and bring to a boil. Toss in your 100g of ditalini pasta recipe . Cook until al dente, according to the box.
4. Stir in 285g frozen peas and cook for 2- 3 minutes , until heated through. Then, stir in 50g Parmesan until melted and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley. Top with pancetta and extra Parmesan and serve that lovely Parmesan pasta recipes immediately
6. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Pasta e Piselli Perfection

• Don't skip the pancetta! It is the umami backbone of this dish. If you are going for a pasta with peas vegetarian dish, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the flavor.
• Overcooked pasta is the enemy! Aim for al dente . It will continue to cook in the broth. This is so true when making pea and pasta soup .
• If you need a pasta e piselli recipe that you can do in advance, prepare everything up to the peas. Then, just add the peas and cheese when you are ready to serve.

Recipe Notes: Your Pasta e Piselli Adventure Awaits!

Alright, you're ready to dive into this easy Italian recipes for the best pasta e piselli recipe . I'm so excited for you.

But before you start, let's chat about a few insider secrets!

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Pasta e Piselli

Okay, so you've got your bubbling pot of Italian pea pasta . How do you make it wow ? Plating is key! Ladle that creamy goodness into shallow bowls.

Top it with extra Parmesan because, honestly, is there ever enough? Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley.

For sides, keep it simple. Crusty bread is a must. Seriously, for soaking up all that delicious broth. A simple salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely.

And if you're feeling fancy, a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio seals the deal.

Storage Tips: Save Some For Later!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pea and pasta soup tastes even better the next day, honestly.

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Microwave or gently heat it on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Freezing isn't ideal, as the pasta can get a bit mushy.

But if you must , freeze it in a freezer safe container for up to a month.

Variations: Make It Your Own Pasta e Piselli

Want to mix things up? No problem! For a pasta with peas vegetarian version, simply ditch the pancetta and use vegetable broth.

Add a dash of smoked paprika to give it a bit of that smoky flavour.

When fresh peas are in season, go wild! Honestly, they're amazing. Otherwise, frozen peas work perfectly. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a cheeky kick.

Try some fresh mint or basil - you will make a very fresh ditalini pasta recipe .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

So, you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner ideas ? Each serving of this Parmesan pasta recipes is like a warm hug from the inside.

Roughly 350 calories, packing in protein, carbs, and healthy fats, it is designed to be pasta e piselli balanced and satisfying.

Pasta e piselli , rich in vitamins and minerals from the peas, and the Parmesan adds a dose of calcium.

It's Italian comfort food with a side of goodness. I mean, what's not to love? This pancetta pasta will be your favorite, i know.

Right, you're all set! Go forth and create some culinary magic. This pasta e piselli recipe will become a family favourite. Let me know how it goes. Have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta is best for pasta e piselli, and can I use something else if I don't have ditalini?

Ditalini is classic, but any small pasta shape like orzo, elbow macaroni, or small shells works perfectly well in pasta e piselli. The key is to choose a shape that cooks quickly and easily incorporates into the creamy broth.

Think of it like choosing the right biscuit for your tea personal preference plays a big role!

I'm a vegetarian can I make pasta e piselli without the pancetta?

Absolutely! Simply omit the pancetta and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To mimic the smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the onions and garlic while sautéing. You won't miss the meat, promise! It will be as scrumptious as a Vegan Victoria Sponge Cake is wholesome.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for my pasta e piselli?

Fresh peas are a fantastic choice when they're in season! Just be sure to shell them and add them to the pasta e piselli a bit later than you would frozen peas, as they might need a touch longer to cook. Fresh peas will give a brighter, sweeter flavor.

Like the difference between getting a fresh, local pint or a mass produced lager!

How can I store leftover pasta e piselli, and how long will it last?

Store leftover pasta e piselli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. It's a great make-ahead meal, as long as you don't expect it to last longer than an episode of Doctor Who!

My pasta e piselli isn't creamy enough. What can I do?

A lack of creaminess can be solved! Make sure you are using enough Parmesan cheese and stirring it in well until melted. Alternatively, you can reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta and stir it in at the end with the cheese. This adds extra body and helps emulsify the sauce.

Think of it as adding a bit of gravy to your mashed potatoes for the perfect consistency.

Is pasta e piselli healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Pasta e piselli can be a relatively healthy dish. It provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins from the peas. To make it even healthier, use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of pancetta, and opt for low-sodium broth.

It's all about balance, like enjoying a cheeky Nando's without going overboard on the Peri Peri!