Peas With Pasta Shells(30 Minute Recipe)
A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring peas, tomatoes, and fresh basil, perfect for a hearty, vegetarian meal that appeals to family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Defrost the frozen peas.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion until soft.
- Add chopped garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add peas and continue to cook for 5 more minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce.
- Stir in chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions. If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil can be used, but remember to add it earlier in the cooking process. You can also substitute the Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Bread With A Touch for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Peas With Pasta Shells hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a vibrant presentation. This dish works well as a main course or as a side dish accompanying grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple garden salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Stir gently until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the pasta mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peas With Pasta Shells(30 Minute Recipe) contains roughly 336 calories, with 22g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (145% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (90% of the Daily Value), and iron (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2053mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas, but you'll need to blanch them for about 2-3 minutes before adding them to the sauce to ensure they're tender. Fresh peas provide a sweeter flavor and a vibrant color to the dish.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. You can also enhance the flavor with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While medium pasta shells are ideal for holding onto the sauce, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli as alternatives. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
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).