Pasta and Peas – Light, Creamy, and Comfortingly Simple

This Pasta and Peas recipe is a comforting, wholesome dish that combines tender pasta with sweet green peas in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to feel like a little indulgence. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, this dish delivers classic flavors in a lighter, balanced way everyone can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – On the table in under 30 minutes with basic pantry staples.
Fresh and Sweet – Green peas add brightness and a hint of natural sweetness.
Creamy Yet Light – The sauce is silky and satisfying without being heavy.
Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz whole wheat or regular pasta (small shapes like shells or ditalini work best)
  • 1½ cups frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Add peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Make the Sauce
Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Remove from heat and whisk in Greek yogurt for a creamy, smooth sauce.

4. Combine Everything
Add drained pasta and peas to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve
Divide into bowls, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and enjoy warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 280
Protein: 14g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 6g

Tips for Success

  • Save the Pasta Water – It helps bind the sauce and adjust the texture.
  • Use Fresh Peas if Available – They add even more sweetness and color.
  • Adjust Cheese to Taste – Feel free to add more Parmesan for extra richness.

Why This Recipe Works

Using a mix of Parmesan and Greek yogurt creates a light yet creamy sauce with a rich flavor. The peas bring sweetness and color, while whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber. Together, it’s a satisfying, well-balanced dish that feels both comforting and smart.

This Pasta and Peas dish is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. Creamy, comforting, and perfectly balanced, it’s a quick meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl — and one you’ll want to make again and again.

Pasta and Peas – Light, Creamy, and Comfortingly Simple

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

280

kcal

A creamy yet light pasta dish featuring sweet green peas, a silky Parmesan and yogurt sauce, and tender pasta for a comforting, wholesome meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz whole wheat or regular pasta (small shapes like shells or ditalini work best)

  • 1½ cups frozen peas

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1½ cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Add peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
  • Sauté Garlic
    In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
  • Make the Sauce
    Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Remove from heat and whisk in Greek yogurt for a creamy, smooth sauce.
  • Combine Everything
    Add drained pasta and peas to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve
    Divide into bowls, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Save the Pasta Water – It helps bind the sauce and adjust the texture.
    Use Fresh Peas if Available – They add even more sweetness and color.
    Adjust Cheese to Taste – Feel free to add more Parmesan for extra richness.

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