Creamy Sweet Pea Pasta with Parmesan

I honestly wasn't expecting this much attention over a simple bowl of pasta! I shared this sweet pea pasta on my stories, and I've received what feels like over 50,000 messages asking for the recipe!
And the funny thing is, it's not even Portuguese! But sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones everyone loves most.
This is one of those meals I make when I want something comforting without spending forever in the kitchen. A little olive oil, shallot, sweet peas, pasta, chicken broth, butter and Parmesan. Nothing complicated, just a really good bowl of pasta.
What I love most is how the small pasta cooks right in the broth with the peas, soaking up all that flavour. The butter and Parmesan at the end bring everything together into a lovely, creamy consistency without needing any heavy cream.
It's simple, affordable and perfect for busy weeknights. And if you have little ones at home, this is such an easy way to get some vegetables into dinner!

Why You'll Love This Sweet Pea Pasta

This is one of those recipes you'll want to keep on rotation. It's made with everyday ingredients, requires very little prep and comes together in one pot.
The peas add a natural sweetness, the shallot gives it a lovely mild onion flavour, and the Parmesan makes everything rich and savoury. The best part? You can adjust the broth depending on whether you prefer your pasta a little creamier or more soupy.

Ingredients You'll Need

Small shell pasta, 2 cups dry
Small shells are perfect because they hold the peas and creamy sauce. Ditalini or another small pasta shape works too.
Sweet peas, 2 cups
Fresh or frozen sweet peas work beautifully. Frozen peas can go straight into the pot.
Shallot, 1 finely chopped
Adds a delicate sweetness without overpowering the dish.
Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
Used to sauté the shallot and build the flavour.
Chicken broth, 2 cups
Gives the pasta a delicious savoury base.
Parmesan cheese, ½ cup grated
Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and gives the pasta a creamy finish.
You'll also need 2 cups of hot pasta cooking water, 2 tablespoons butter, and salt and black pepper to taste.

How to Make Creamy Sweet Pea Pasta

Step 1. Sauté the shallot
In a large, deep pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté for about 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2. Add the sweet peas
Add the 2 cups of sweet peas to the pot. Stir everything together and let the peas cook covered for about 2 minutes.
Step 3. Add the pasta and broth
Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth and stir. Add the small shell pasta into the pot with the peas and mix well. Make sure the pasta has been cooked for half the time as packing in its own water.
Step 4. Add the hot water and cook
Gradually add up to 2 cups of hot pasta water, stirring as the pasta cooks. Simmer gently, until the pasta is tender. Stir frequently and add more pasta water if needed to prevent sticking.
Step 5. Finish with butter and Parmesan
Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat. Stir in the butter, followed by the freshly grated Parmesan. Mix until everything is beautifully creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, serve immediately and finish with a little extra Parmesan if you like.

Tips for the Best Sweet Pea Pasta

Use small pasta. Small shells, ditalini or elbow macaroni work best.
Don't drain the pasta. The starch released during cooking helps create that creamy consistency.
Add liquid gradually. Different pasta shapes absorb different amounts of liquid.
Freshly grate your Parmesan. It melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
Keep the heat gentle. Stir frequently so the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom.
Make it vegetarian. Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use a vegetarian hard cheese.

What to Serve with Sweet Pea Pasta

This is delicious on its own, especially for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner.
If you want to make it a little heartier, serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled chicken breast or a simple green salad.
I like to add a couple boiled eggs for extra protein!

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
The pasta will continue absorbing liquid as it sits, so it may become thicker. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen everything up.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot.
I don't recommend freezing this recipe because the pasta can become too soft when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen peas?
Absolutely! I prefer frozen peas for this dish. There's no need to thaw them first. Just add them directly to the pot.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes, but I recommend sticking with small pasta shapes. Larger pasta may require more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Do I need heavy cream?
Not at all! The starch from the pasta, along with the butter and Parmesan, creates a creamy consistency without heavy cream.
Can I make this without chicken broth?
Yes! Vegetable broth is a great alternative. You can also use water, although the broth adds much more flavour.
Why is my pasta too thick?
The pasta has probably absorbed most of the liquid. Simply stir in a little hot broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

More Easy Family Recipes

If you love simple, comforting dinners, you'll also enjoy these recipes from me:
One-Pan Portuguese Chicken and Potatoes
Portuguese Chicken Rice
Ervilhas Guisadas
Carne Guisada

Let's Keep Cooking Together! ❤️

I still can't believe how many of you asked for this recipe! Sometimes it's the simplest meals that bring everyone together.
If you make this sweet pea pasta, please leave a star rating and review below. I love hearing how these recipes turn out in your kitchens.
And don't forget to follow along on Instagram at @rainhadacozinha for more easy family recipes!

Creamy Sweet Pea Pasta with Parmesan

Sandra Correia

This easy sweet pea pasta is made with tender peas, small shell pasta, chicken broth, butter and Parmesan cheese. The pasta is partially boiled first, then finishes cooking with the peas and broth for a delicious, creamy consistency.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 shallot finely chopped
• 2 cups sweet peas fresh or frozen
• 2 cups small shell pasta uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups reserved pasta cooking water
• 2 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Partially cook the pasta.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the small shell pasta and cook for half the time indicated on the package. For example, if the package recommends 10 minutes, cook the pasta for only 5 minutes. Before draining, reserve at least 2 cups of the starchy pasta cooking water. Drain and set aside.
• Sauté the shallot.
• In a separate large, deep pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté for approximately 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
• Add the sweet peas.
• Add the sweet peas to the pot with the shallot. Stir well and allow them to cook for approximately 2 minutes.
• Add the chicken broth.
• Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Add the partially cooked pasta.
• Transfer the partially cooked pasta directly into the pot with the sweet peas and chicken broth. Stir everything together.
• Add the reserved pasta water.
• Pour in the 2 cups of reserved pasta cooking water. Stir well and allow the pasta to continue cooking for the remaining time indicated on the package, approximately 5–7 minutes depending on the pasta shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Finish with butter and Parmesan.
• Once the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced to a creamy consistency, lower the heat. Stir in the butter until melted, then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is beautifully combined and creamy.
• Serve and enjoy!
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Pasta: Small shell pasta works beautifully, but ditalini or small elbow macaroni can also be used.
Half-cooking method: Only boil the pasta for half its recommended cooking time. It finishes cooking directly with the peas, chicken broth and reserved pasta water.
Pasta water: Don't forget to reserve the starchy pasta water before draining. It helps create the creamy sauce.
Consistency: If the pasta becomes too thick, add a splash of extra hot pasta water or chicken broth.
Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavour and texture.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.

Keyword Creamy Pea Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Pasta with Peas, Sweet Pea Pasta

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