Save to Pinterest 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.
Growing up, macaroni & peas was one of my favorite meals made by my grandmother. It always brought us together at the dinner table, and now I enjoy carrying on this tradition.
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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
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Instructions
- Boil 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.
- Make 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 & Reserve Water:
- Drain the pasta and peas, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water.
- Combine:
- Add drained pasta and peas to the skillet with onions. Stir in milk (or cream), Parmesan cheese, a splash of reserved pasta water, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss together over low heat until creamy and well coated, adding more pasta water if needed.
- Finish & Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Save to Pinterest This meal reminds me of cozy Sundays at my parents' house when we would gather for a simple, nourishing supper and share stories around the table.
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Required Tools
Large pot, colander, large skillet or saute pan, wooden spoon or spatula, grater (for Parmesan)
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), cheese (dairy). Use gluten-free pasta and plant-based alternatives as needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 385, Total Fat 12 g, Carbohydrates 53 g, Protein 14 g
Save to Pinterest 
Enjoy macaroni & peas as a quick, comforting meal any night of the week. Each bite brings the warmth of home and will satisfy every member of the family.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peas work well and can be added during the last minutes of pasta cooking for convenience and to retain their sweetness.
- → What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
For a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese substitutes can provide a similar savory flavor.
- → How do I make the sauce creamier?
Adding reserved pasta water gradually helps create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- → Is there a way to add protein to this dish?
Including cooked ham, bacon, or canned tuna can boost protein content and add extra flavor.
- → Can this dish be prepared vegan?
Replace butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk, and substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.
