Pasta And Peas
A hearty pasta dish with peas, ham, and tomato sauce, offering comforting flavors perfect for a quick weeknight meal or family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop and fry the onion in a little oil until soft.
- Cover and simmer until the onion is fully cooked.
- Add peas and ham if desired, and cook together.
- Add tomato sauce and water, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Cook until the mixture is heated through and the flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the onion. You can substitute the macaroni with any short pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. If you're out of fresh peas, frozen peas work perfectly and save prep time. For a vegetarian option, omit the ham and add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. This dish can also be enhanced with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pasta and Peas dish warm, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an Italian twist, consider serving with Italian Pork Chops or alongside a light Tortellini Salad With Meat. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This dish can also be frozen for up to a month; just reheat from frozen, adding a bit of water as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta And Peas contains roughly 158 calories, with 9g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned peas instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use canned peas, but be sure to add them at the end of cooking just long enough to heat through, as they are already cooked. This will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
What can I add for extra protein?
In addition to ham, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for extra protein. This makes the dish heartier and adds a different flavor profile. Just ensure any meat you add is cooked before mixing it in with the pasta.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Pasta and Peas, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers while cooking the onion. You can also serve it with a drizzle of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).