Pin this 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.
My family always enjoys macaroni & peas on busy evenings when there isn't much time for cooking. It's a dish that brings back memories of childhood for me, since my mom would often make it after school.
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 Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Add Peas:
- In the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, add the peas to the boiling water.
- Prepare Sauce Base:
- 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 & Combine:
- Drain the pasta and peas reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water.
- Mix Ingredients:
- 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.
- Final Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Pin this Making this for my kids always brings a sense of comfort to our evening. We often sit together and sprinkle extra cheese on top before enjoying each bite.
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). For gluten free use certified gluten free macaroni. For dairy free use plant based alternatives. Always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 385, Total Fat 12 g, Carbohydrates 53 g, Protein 14 g
Pin this This comforting macaroni & peas dish comes together quickly and is always a hit at our table. Enjoy it with a simple green salad for a perfectly balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short tubular pasta like macaroni holds the sauce well and cooks evenly, making it ideal for this dish.
- → When should peas be added during cooking?
Add the peas in the last 2 minutes of boiling pasta to ensure they remain tender yet vibrant and sweet.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier?
Use a combination of butter and milk or cream, and stir in some reserved pasta water to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- → Are there suitable vegan alternatives for this dish?
Replace butter with olive oil, milk with plant-based milk, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast to keep it dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
- → What seasonings enhance the flavor?
Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes add depth and a subtle kick, while fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the dish.
- → Can proteins be added to this dish?
Cooked ham, bacon, or canned tuna can be mixed in for added protein and heartiness.