Delicious Sweet Pea Orecchiette for a Quick Dinner

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Oh, where do I start with this Sweet Pea Orecchiette? It’s one of those dishes that just… kind of wraps you up in warmth as soon as you take a bite. The sweet peas pop with every mouthful, and the garlic just hugs everything together, creating this cozy blend that feels both fancy and homey at the same time. Plus, the vibrant green color? It practically screams “springtime!” You know, it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to gather friends around the table, laughing and sharing stories as you enjoy something delicious together.

Why You’ll Crave It

• Bright color and fresh flavors that instantly lift your mood.
• Quick to prepare—perfect for a weeknight when you need something satisfying.
• Made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about.
• Versatile enough to customize with whatever veggies you have on hand.
• You get that satisfying creamy feel without it being heavy, you know?

My family gets a little… well, competitive over who gets to take the last bite, to be honest!

What You’ll Need

• Orecchiette pasta: about 300g, you know, those cute little ear-shaped beauties!
• Fresh sweet peas: 200g, just sweet and vibrant, or frozen if you’re in a pinch.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, because garlic makes everything better!
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, the good stuff that adds richness.
• Parmesan cheese: 50g, grated, for that creamy finish.
• Fresh mint leaves: a handful, chopped, it’s like a burst of freshness.
• Salt and black pepper: to taste, don’t forget these for that extra zing!

Easy How-To

Cook the Pasta

First things first, get a big pot of salted water boiling—that’s where you’ll cook your orecchiette, of course. Toss in the pasta and cook it until it’s al dente… maybe around 8-10 minutes or so, but definitely check the package for specifics. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining, it’s like liquid gold for the sauce!

Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta is doing its thing, heat a splash of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Toss in some finely chopped onion… oh, and let it get soft and a bit translucent—about 5 minutes should do the trick. The smell is going to be… mmm, incredible!

Add Peas and Broth

Now, add those sweet peas to the pan along with some vegetable or chicken broth—just enough to cover the bottom. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let everything mingle for a few minutes. That broth pulls in all those lovely flavors together.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Time to add your drained orecchiette into the pan. Stir it all up and slowly add that reserved pasta water, bit by bit, until you’ve got a nice creamy consistency. It should just… come together beautifully, almost like a warm hug.

Finish with Cheese

Take that pan off the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Just keep mixing until it melts into the pasta, blending all those lovely flavors together. You’ll love how creamy it becomes!

Season and Serve

Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Serve it hot—oh, sprinkle a bit more parmesan and maybe a drizzle of olive oil for good measure. It’s just… so inviting.

Good to Know

• Fresh vs. frozen peas? Both work great, but fresh really shines if you can get them!
• If you’re looking for a vegan twist, just swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese.
• Adding extra herbs like basil or even thyme can really take this dish up a notch—play around a bit!

Serving Ideas

• Serve it alongside a simple, crisp green salad, maybe with a tangy vinaigrette!

Top Tricks

• Warm your serving bowls in the oven for a couple of minutes—makes a small difference but oh-so-cozy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried orecchiette instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried works just fine—just be sure to check the cooking instructions. It may take a bit longer to cook.

What type of peas can I use?

Frozen peas are always a great backup when fresh isn’t available… and they still taste pretty good too!

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Zucchini or asparagus would be awesome! Just add them in at the same time you do the peas.

How can I store leftover pasta?

Pop any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days—just reheat gently to keep it creamy.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yep! It’s super vegetarian-friendly, packed with goodness without any animal products… unless you count the cheese!

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