Pasta and peas in tomato sauce is a classic dish that brings together the hearty flavours of rustic cuisine with a touch of garden-fresh simplicity.
This recipe is a celebration of humble ingredients, where sweet peas add a burst of colour and natural sweetness to a rich, tangy tomato sauce.
The pasta, cooked to perfection, serves as the ideal canvas to soak up the vibrant sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or just treating yourself, this pasta and peas in tomato sauce is a delicious reminder that the best meals often come from the simplest of ingredients.
How To Make Pasta And Peas In Tomato Sauce?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Cooking Times: 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Yields: Serves 4
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans tomatoes (diced or crushed)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step-1. Boil the pasta and peas
Start by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then toss in the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the green peas to the pot. This ensures they cook through but still retain their vibrant colour and sweetness. Once done, drain the pasta and peas together, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step-2. Prepare the tomato sauce
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to avoid burning.
Step-3. Simmer the sauce
Next, add the diced or crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, stir in the sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavours to meld together. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step-4. Combine pasta and sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta and peas to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.
Step-5. Garnish and serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a slice of garlic bread.
Nutrition Facts Of Pasta And Peas In Tomato Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugars | 8g |
Serving Suggestions
✱ This Pasta and Peas in Tomato Sauce recipe is incredibly versatile. I love to serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh garden salad.
✱ For a heartier meal, you can also pair it with grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms. A glass of light red wine or sparkling water with lemon also complements this dish beautifully.
Tips and Variations
Perfect Pasta: Always cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
Freshness Matters: Use fresh basil for a burst of flavour that dried herbs can’t match.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a can of drained chickpeas to make this dish more filling.
Vegetarian Twist: Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
Special Note
The recipe is naturally vegetarian, and by using vegan-friendly pasta and tomato sauce, it can easily be made vegan, catering to various dietary preferences.
FAQS
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What can I use instead of fresh basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can substitute it with dried basil or parsley, though fresh basil gives the best flavour.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this step-by-step guide to making Pasta and Peas in Tomato Sauce. It’s a simple, yet flavorful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a household favourite.
Pasta And Peas In Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
Ingredients
- 300 g pasta your choice
- 1 cup green peas fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cans tomatoes diced or crushed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Start by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then toss in the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the green peas to the pot. This ensures they cook through but still retain their vibrant color and sweetness. Once done, drain the pasta and peas together, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to avoid burning.
- Next, add the diced or crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, stir in the sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta and peas to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a slice of garlic bread.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.