Pasta And Peas With Tomato Sauce
Pasta and Peas with Tomato Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish combining tender pasta, sweet peas, and a savory tomato sauce. The sauce is enriched with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, creating a balanced, comforting meal. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- Large pot or saucepan
- Stirring spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer or colander
- Ladle or soup spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup 250 ml tomato puree or passata
- 1 cup frozen peas fresh peas can also be used
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 12 ounces 350 g ditalini pasta
- 4 cups 1 liter vegetable stock
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients:
- Start by chopping the onion finely. If you’re using fresh peas, rinse and set them aside. Otherwise, measure out the frozen peas.In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté the onion:
- Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent.
Add the tomato puree and spices:
- Pour the tomato puree (or passata) into the pot with the onions.Stir in the dried basil, red chili flakes, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook the pasta:
- While the tomato sauce is simmering, bring the vegetable stock to a boil in a separate large pot.Add the ditalini pasta to the boiling vegetable stock and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
Add peas and combine:
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the peas to the pot with the pasta. Let them cook together.Once the pasta and peas are ready, drain them well, reserving a small amount of the stock for later use if needed.
Combine pasta, peas, and sauce:
- Add the drained pasta and peas directly into the tomato sauce, stirring gently to combine. If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved vegetable stock to reach your desired consistency.
Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the pasta and peas hot, and enjoy your delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Notes
❖ Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
❖ Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat it in a pan with a little water or broth to keep it moist.