Pin A comforting, budget-friendly pasta dish that combines tender macaroni with sweet green peas in a light, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
I first tried this macaroni & peas recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something fast and comforting. It was an instant favorite for its creamy texture and satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) dried macaroni
- Vegetables: 1 cup (150 g) frozen or fresh green peas, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Dairy & Flavorings: 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk or cream, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, Salt and black pepper to taste, Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Add peas:
- In the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, add the peas to the boiling water.
- Prepare sauce:
- While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 or 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Drain:
- Drain the pasta and peas, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water.
- Combine:
- Add the drained pasta and peas to the skillet with the onions. Stir in milk (or cream), Parmesan cheese, a splash of reserved pasta water, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together over low heat until creamy and well coated. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Finish and serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Pin My family loves sharing big bowls of this pasta, especially when we gather for a cozy dinner. Seeing everyone reach for seconds always makes me smile.
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, large skillet or sauté pan, wooden spoon or spatula, grater (for Parmesan)
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), cheese (dairy). Use gluten-free macaroni and plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 385, Total Fat 12 g, Carbohydrates 53 g, Protein 14 g.
Pin This recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple. Enjoy its creamy comfort with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep the peas bright and tender?
Add peas to boiling water during the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking to maintain their vibrant color and tender texture.
- → Can I substitute Parmesan in this dish?
Yes, for a vegan alternative, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor, or use a vegan Parmesan substitute.
- → What is the purpose of reserved pasta water?
Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps create a creamy sauce and improves the dish’s consistency.
- → How can I add extra protein to this meal?
Mix in cooked ham, bacon, or canned tuna for added protein and flavor complexity.
- → Which herbs complement this macaroni and peas dish?
Fresh parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds a fragrant, fresh touch that balances the creamy sauce.