Best Easy Pasta e Piselli Recipe

Pasta with tender peas in a light broth is a springtime Italian staple. This vegetarian mediterranean dish is fresh, family-friendly, and suits healthy 1500 calorie meal plans.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 320 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #family meals #spring recipes
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Ditalini pasta 8 oz
  • Fresh or frozen peas 1.5 cups
  • Yellow onion 1 pieces
  • Vegetable broth 4 cups
  • Extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Kosher salt 1 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • Fresh parsley 2 tbsp
  • Grated Parmesan cheese 0.25 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 52 g 65%
Protein 12 g 15%
Fat 7 g 20%
Serving size 330g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Dice the yellow onion finely; in a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

  2. 2

    Add diced onion and a pinch of salt, cook over medium-low heat for 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until soft and translucent but not browned.

  3. 3

    Stir in the peas; sauté for 2–3 minutes, then pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

  4. 4

    Add the ditalini pasta directly into the hot broth; maintain a steady simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is just al dente (about 10 minutes).

  5. 5

    Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper; remove from heat, stir in chopped fresh parsley, and ladle into bowls. Top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredients in Pasta e Piselli are ditalini pasta and sweet peas. Together, they create the signature creamy texture and light, comforting flavor that defines this classic Italian dish. The peas add freshness, while the small pasta shape ensures even cooking and a pleasing mouthfeel.
Q. Which seasoning most influences the dish's taste?
Extra virgin olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese are critical to the depth and flavor of this recipe. Olive oil forms the aromatic base when sautéing onions, and the Parmesan adds a finishing savory note, perfectly complementing the gentle sweetness of the peas.
Q. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
To avoid overcooking, add the ditalini pasta only after the broth is simmering and stir frequently. Cook just until the pasta is al dente, as it will continue absorbing liquid off the heat. Serving immediately helps preserve its ideal texture.
Q. What is the calorie content and nutritional profile per serving?
Each 330g serving provides about 320 kcal, with carbohydrates at 52g (65% of calories), protein at 12g (15%), and fat at 7g (20%). This balanced profile makes it a wholesome choice for family dinners or healthy meal plans.
Q. Is this Pasta e Piselli recipe vegetarian and Mediterranean diet-friendly?
Yes, all core ingredients are plant-based and typical of Mediterranean cuisine, including olive oil, vegetables, and herbs. There is no meat, poultry, or seafood, and Parmesan cheese is the only dairy component, making it fully vegetarian and suitable for a Mediterranean diet.
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