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Pasta and Peas With Tomato Sauce
Olivia

Pasta and Peas With Tomato Sauce

Pasta And Peas With Tomato Sauce is a simple, flavorful meal perfect for home cooks who want an easy, comforting dish without special equipment or complicated steps. It’s flexible, so you can customize it with your favorite pasta shapes, add chicken or sausage, or make it creamy with mascarpone. Plus, it stores well for quick leftovers.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: main dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 red chili deseeded and finely chopped (optional for some heat!)
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
  • 12 oz ditalini pasta or any small pasta you prefer
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. First, put on a pot of pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Ditalini or any type of small pasta can go into boiling water now. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually for about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and keep it aside when it's done.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Chili
  1. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat before adding the finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the red chili and cook for a minute more. A little heat comes from the chili if you want it; otherwise, you can skip it for a milder taste.
Step 3: Add Tomato Puree
  1. Now pour the tomato puree and stir it into the onions and chili. Let it sit and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld. Here's where that rich, tangy tomato flavor comes into action!
Step 4: Add the Peas and Stock
  1. Add the frozen peas and vegetable stock, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until the peas are tender and the sauce is slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
  1. Add the peas and cook until everything is heated through and the sauce thickened, then add the pasta to the sauce. 3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring that the pasta is coated with the sauce. If the consistency is too thick for your taste, add more vegetable stock.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
  1. Divide your pasta and peas with tomato sauce between bowls, and if you have it, sprinkle with a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese. And just like that, you have a robust and delicious meal!

Notes

  • Tomato sauce vs. tomato puree: Tomato puree or passata is smoother and less seasoned than pasta sauce, which often has herbs and spices. You can use pasta sauce if that’s what you have, but expect a slightly different flavor. To mimic tomato sauce from paste, cook tomato paste with olive oil and water until saucy.
  • Make it creamy: For a creamy twist, stir in a spoonful of mascarpone or cream cheese at the end. This adds a lovely richness without overpowering the peas and tomato.
  • Add protein: Chicken breast or Italian sausage pairs wonderfully with this dish. Brown the chicken or sausage first, then add the tomato sauce and peas.
  • Pasta shape: While ditalini or penne are traditional, any short pasta like farfalle or shells works great. Chickpea pasta is a good gluten-free option.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or stock to keep it moist. Freezing is possible but may soften the pasta texture.