Pasta with Peas: A Simple Meal We Cook at Home in Sicily | Food That Looks After You Series

Pasta with Peas: A Simple Meal We Cook at Home in Sicily | Food That Looks After You Series. Today I am cooking a very simple pasta with peas, the kind of meal we make at home without thinking, using what we already have. It is a humble dish, but it is nourishing, balanced, and full of flavour. This is real everyday Italian cooking. Affordable ingredients, simple steps, and food that brings comfort and calm. It is also naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based cheese alternative. In this recipe, I show you a small technique that makes a big difference, blending part of the peas to create a natural, creamy sauce without adding anything heavy. 🛒 Ingredients (for 2 people) 200 g short pasta (macaroni, ditalini, or similar) 250 g peas (fresh or frozen) 1 small white onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic (kept whole) 40–50 g grated Parmigiano Reggiano 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste Fresh parsley, finely chopped Approximately 600–700 ml hot water Optional: Vegan parmesan-style alternative for a plant-based version A little chilli flakes if you prefer some heat Pancetta or sausage if you wish to adapt it for a meat version Cooking Method Start by adding a little olive oil to your pan, just enough to coat the base. Add the finely chopped onion and let it soften gently over a medium heat. At this stage, add one clove of garlic, slightly crushed but left whole. This will give you flavour without being too strong. Let this cook for a couple of minutes. You are not trying to brown anything, just to soften and release the aroma. Now add your peas straight in, even if they are frozen, along with a little salt and pepper. Give everything a mix, then pour in some hot water, just enough to start the cooking process. Let this come to a gentle simmer. After a few minutes, once the peas have softened, remove the garlic. Take roughly half of the peas with a little of the cooking water and blend them with the garlic until smooth. This is a simple step, but it changes the dish completely, giving you a natural creaminess. Pour this back into the pan and mix well. Then add your pasta directly into the same pot. Everything will cook together, and the pasta will absorb all the flavour. Keep an eye on it as it cooks. If it becomes too thick, add a little more hot water. It is better to add gradually than too much at the beginning. You are looking for a soft, creamy consistency. Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Add the grated Parmigiano and mix it through gently so it melts into the sauce. Finish with a little olive oil and some fresh parsley for brightness. Serve immediately while it is still soft and creamy. This is a dish that is best enjoyed straight away. 00:00 Introduction and ingredients 00:28 Ingredients overview and pasta choice 01:30 A memory from Sicily and why this dish matters 02:35 Starting the base with onion and garlic 03:03 Adding peas and simple variations 03:40 Adding water and beginning the cook 04:10 Blending peas for natural creaminess 05:00 Cooking the pasta in the sauce 05:52 Adjusting water and texture 06:11 Herbs and finishing touches 07:42 Final steps and adding cheese 08:45 Serving and final thoughts #tortellinotime #tortellino #pastawithpeas #italianhomecooking #sicilianfood #simplemeals #mediterraneandiet #comfortfood #vegetarianrecipes #foodthatlooksafteryou #homecooking #healthyfood #pastarecipe