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.
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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
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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.
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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.
