Save 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 made macaroni & peas during my college days when I needed something that was filling yet super simple on busy nights. This dish always reminds me of catching up with friends over cozy homemade dinners.
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 the Peas:
- In the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking add the peas to the boiling water.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- While the pasta cooks melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent about 3 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Drain and Reserve Water:
- Drain the pasta and peas reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water.
- Combine and Toss:
- 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 adding more pasta water if needed.
- Finish and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Save Pin This macaroni & peas recipe is one my family asks for again and again. Even picky eaters love the mild creamy flavor and it is guaranteed to disappear fast at the table!
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). Always check labels for hidden allergens and use substitutions for dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 385, Total Fat 12 g, Carbohydrates 53 g, Protein 14 g.
Save Pin This easy macaroni & peas recipe brings comfort to every table. Try customizing it for your own family favorites!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peas work well and can be added directly to the boiling pasta water without thawing.
- → How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Substitute butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Yes, reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and helps it coat the pasta evenly.
- → Can I add proteins like meat or tuna?
Absolutely, cooked ham, bacon, or canned tuna can be stirred in for added protein and flavor.
- → What are some good herbs to enhance this dish?
Fresh parsley or basil sprinkled atop adds a fresh, aromatic note to the comforting sauce.