Name: One Pot Pasta Peas: Quick, Easy & Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape); 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup water; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat; Optional: Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

One Pot Pasta Peas: the ultimate weeknight dinner solution! Are you tired of endless pots and pans cluttering your sink after a long day? Imagine a delicious, comforting pasta dish that requires minimal cleanup and is ready in under 30 minutes. That's the magic of this recipe, and trust me, it's about to become your new go-to meal.

While the exact origins of one-pot pasta are debated, the concept of cooking everything together in a single vessel has been around for centuries, particularly in cultures where resources were scarce and efficiency was key. This modern take on a classic idea brings together the simplicity of Italian peasant cooking with the convenience we crave in today's fast-paced world. It's a celebration of fresh ingredients and smart cooking techniques.

People adore one pot pasta peas for so many reasons. The creamy, starchy sauce that develops as the pasta cooks directly in the broth is simply divine. The sweetness of the peas perfectly complements the savory pasta, creating a balanced and satisfying flavor profile. Plus, the texture is incredible – perfectly al dente pasta coated in a luscious, velvety sauce. But perhaps the biggest draw is the sheer ease of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and one pot to wash, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy evenings. So, ditch the takeout menu and get ready to experience the joy of effortless cooking with this delightful dish!

Ingredients:

1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 cup frozen peas
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat
Optional: Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Preparing the Ingredients:

Before we dive into the cooking process, let's get everything prepped and ready to go. This will make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way!

Chop the Onion: Finely chop the medium onion. You want small, even pieces so they cook evenly and blend nicely into the sauce. I like to use a sharp knife for this, but a food processor with a chopping attachment works great too if you're short on time.
Mince the Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves. Fresh garlic is key to the flavor of this dish, so don't skimp on it! You can use a garlic press or mince it finely with a knife.
Measure the Broth and Water: Measure out 4 cups of vegetable broth and 1 cup of water. Having these ready to go will make the cooking process seamless. I prefer low-sodium vegetable broth so I can control the saltiness of the dish.
Gather the Remaining Ingredients: Make sure you have your frozen peas, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients like red pepper flakes and fresh basil ready to go.

The One-Pot Cooking Process:

Now for the fun part! This is where the magic happens. We're going to cook everything together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more flavor. Get ready for a delicious and easy meal!

Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once the onion is softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add the Pasta, Broth, and Water: Add the pasta, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer and Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for the time indicated on your pasta package, usually around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The pasta should absorb most of the liquid and become tender.
Check for Doneness: After the recommended cooking time, check the pasta for doneness. It should be al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite. If the pasta is still too firm, continue to cook for a few more minutes, adding a little more water if needed. If there's too much liquid, remove the lid and cook for a few more minutes to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.
Stir in the Peas and Parmesan Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the frozen peas, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the peas are heated through and the cheese is melted and creamy.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian herbs to suit your taste. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Serving and Enjoying:

The best part is finally here! It's time to serve up your delicious one-pot pasta and enjoy the fruits of your labor. This dish is perfect as a quick and easy weeknight meal, and it's sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta immediately while it's hot and creamy.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal. A drizzle of olive oil can also add a nice touch.
Enjoy! Dig in and enjoy your delicious one-pot pasta! This dish is great on its own, or you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Tips and Variations:

This one-pot pasta recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are endless ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few tips and variations to get you started:

Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add some protein to the dish. Cooked chicken, sausage, shrimp, or chickpeas would all be great additions. Simply add the protein to the pot along with the peas and Parmesan cheese.
Use Different Vegetables: Feel free to substitute the peas with other vegetables, such as broccoli florets, chopped carrots, or spinach. Add the vegetables to the pot along with the pasta to ensure they cook properly.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot along with the Italian herbs. You can also use a spicy sausage or add a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish.
Make it Creamier: For an even creamier pasta, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the pot along with the Parmesan cheese.
Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese. Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or mozzarella would all be delicious alternatives to Parmesan cheese.
Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, use vegetable broth, omit the Parmesan cheese, and add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Use Gluten-Free Pasta: If you're gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the cooking time on the package, as gluten-free pasta may require a different cooking time.

Storage Instructions:

If you have any leftover pasta, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. You may need to add a little water or broth to loosen the pasta if it has dried out.

Why This Recipe Works:

This one-pot pasta recipe is a winner for several reasons. First and foremost, it's incredibly easy and convenient. Everything cooks together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. Second, it's packed with flavor. The combination of sautéed onion and garlic, Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh peas creates a delicious and satisfying meal. Third, it's versatile and customizable. You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different proteins, vegetables, or cheeses. Finally, it's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
Protein: 15-20 grams per serving
Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams per serving
Fat: 10-15 grams per serving

Enjoy your delicious and easy one-pot pasta! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This One Pot Pasta with Peas isn't just another weeknight dinner; it's a flavor explosion disguised as simplicity. Seriously, if you're looking for a dish that's both incredibly satisfying and requires minimal cleanup, then you absolutely must give this recipe a try. The creamy sauce, the perfectly cooked pasta, and the burst of sweetness from the peas all come together in a symphony of deliciousness that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). I know what you might be thinking: "One pot pasta? Can it really be that good?" And to that, I say, emphatically, YES! The magic lies in the way the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those wonderful flavors and creating a naturally creamy texture without the need for heavy cream or complicated techniques. It's a game-changer, I promise. But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes. For a heartier meal, consider adding some cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a touch of heat, while a squeeze of lemon juice will brighten up the flavors. If you're feeling fancy, you could even stir in some mascarpone cheese at the end for an extra layer of richness. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

Serve it as a main course with a side salad and some crusty bread for dipping.
Pack it in a lunchbox for a delicious and satisfying midday meal.
Offer it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Top it with a poached egg for a decadent brunch option.

And don't forget the cheese! A generous grating of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano is the perfect finishing touch. You could even try a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness. I truly believe that this One Pot Pasta Peas recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It's quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – everything you could want in a weeknight meal. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to experience the magic of one-pot cooking. I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. And now for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? What variations did you make? What did your family think? Share your thoughts, photos, and tips in the comments below. I can't wait to see what you create! Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll do my best to answer them. I'm always looking for new ways to improve my recipes, so your feedback is invaluable. Enjoy!