Pasta and Peas

This one pot pasta and peas is such a go to in our world. Whether on it’s own, on the side, or as the main with some protein, it never fails to satisfy all our cravings!

Why is dinner so much work? I mean. It’s always been work, but usually I didn’t have to figure it out until the afternoon. Now with a little guy, we try to be diligent about dinner time, which often leaves me about 30 minutes to make dinner (often becoming 40 minutes – full disclosure).

I know variety is the spice of life, but it pays to have those easy, quick go to recipes you can do with your eyes (proverbially) closed. Pasta and peas is that for me.

Pasta and Peas

This recipe takes less than 30 minutes and calls simply for pasta, frozen peas, spinach, olive oil, salt, pepper, and butter (if I’m feeling a little splurgy). It’s delicious just like this, but it’s also an incredibly easy base for whatever else is in your kitchen…

Pasta and Peas Topping Ideas

I know what you’re thinking. Luci – obviously there are tons more ingredients pictured. That’s the beauty of the recipe. It’s totally delicious as is, but it’s also a fun recipe to switch out some toppings for a seemingly new recipe.

Ok. Simple ideas – parmesan cheese, chopped toasted nuts, chili flakes, goat cheese, or even feta cheese.

For protein, you could do garbanzo beans, crumbled pancetta, sausage, shredded chicken, sauteed shrimp, or eggs.

If the idea of garbanzo beans in pasta deters you, don’t let it. I use them in my roasted vegetable pasta and they’re delicious!

One Pot Pasta Recipes

I find one pot recipes to be truly hard to accomplish. I mean, I have them – see below – but to truly get a delicious dish out of a single pot is a feat, but pasta and peas does it.

And, actually, it isn’t just layers of using the same pot – all the ingredients come together in the pot at the same time. The hot, steamy pasta water is what warms the frozen peas and cooks the spinach.

Looking for a fast and easy way to add protein to this vegetarian pasta recipe one time, and with nothing on hand really, I started going through my cupboards looking for ideas. What resulted was a canned tuna pasta recipe that really just took this base and added canned tuna at the very end – keeping it a one pot dinner!

If you’re looking for a gluten free pasta that’s easy to digest (and LowFODMAP friendly), Jovial is our go to).

Want some other good pasta recipes? This lemon tuna pasta is easy, inexpensive and delicious – as is this lemon & pea bowtie pasta salad! Simpler versions (great as a side dish too) are peas and pasta and this one pot summer veggie pasta is a mandatory one in our house.

This turkey cabbage pasta is easy and so delicious – year round! On the lighter side, this fresh cherry tomato pasta with ricotta is divine and this creamy vegan pasta with broccoli is heartier than you’d ever expect from a plant-based meal!

If you love peas (clearly I do), try this vegan pea soup (fun to serve as shooters for guests) and this naturally green dip!

Print Recipe

5 from 11 votes

PASTA AND PEAS

I created this recipe out of necessity when I was in grad school. With little indulgence in the way of food and not a lot of extra brain power after reading and writing all day, this quick and easy pasta and peas dish always hit the spot. It's great as a side or main and on its own or with a tasty protein. We love adding turkey meatballs or grilled shrimp!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: dinner, easy dinner, one pot, pasta, vegetables, vegetarian

Servings: 4

Calories: 648kcal

Author: Luci Petlack

Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta bowtie, penne, + orecchiette are great
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cups frozen peas
• 4 cups packed baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
• 1 ½ tablespoons butter optional

Instructions

• Fill large pot (with lid) one-half to two-thirds full of water. Bring to boil. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 teaspoons salt to water before adding pasta.
• Cook pasta according to package directions, adding one minute to cooking time. With two minutes remaining on cook time, add peas. Drain pasta. Return to pot.* Add spinach. Cover two minutes to begin wilting spinach. Add two tablespoons olive oil, one teaspoon each salt and freshly cracked pepper, and butter (if using). Stir to melt butter and mix thoroughly.
• Serve immediately with desired toppings.
• *If adding beans, meat, or fish, combine with pasta once returned to pot. Meat and fish will need to be cooked separately beforehand.

Notes

optional toppings: parmesan cheese, chopped toasted nuts, chili flakes optional add-ins: garbanzo beans, crumbled pancetta, sausage, shredded chicken, sauteed shrimp, or eggs.

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Nutrition

Calories: 648kcal | Carbohydrates: 96g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 2394mg | Potassium: 599mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 3499IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 3mg