Save 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.
When I was in college, I made this macaroni & peas recipe almost every week because it was fast, satisfying, and always tasted great after a long day. It remains a favorite comfort food in my kitchen.
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:
- 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 and Combine:
- Drain the pasta and peas, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water.
- Mix Well:
- 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.
- Finish:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Save This simple pasta is one of those dishes my family requests whenever we need something warm and comforting in a hurry.
Required Tools
Use a large pot for boiling pasta, a colander for draining, and a skillet for tossing everything together.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat (gluten), milk, and cheese. Use gluten-free macaroni and dairy-free alternatives if needed, and always check food labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 385 calories, 12 g fat, 53 g carbohydrates, and 14 g protein.
Save Macaroni & peas makes the perfect easy dinner and goes well with a side salad or garlic bread. Enjoy every forkful!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, both frozen and fresh peas work well. Frozen peas are added in the last few cooking minutes to cook through while retaining sweetness.
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Small pasta shapes like macaroni or elbows hold the sauce well and provide a satisfying texture.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Replace butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk instead of dairy, and substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- → Is it possible to add protein to this dish?
Yes, cooked ham, bacon, or canned tuna can be added for a protein boost without altering the dish's character.
- → How do I achieve a creamy sauce?
Use reserved pasta water with milk and cheese, stirring gently over low heat to create a smooth, silky coating on the pasta and peas.