Pasta e Piselli: A Cozy Italian Classic with a Savory Twist (Pasta and Peas)

This comforting Neapolitan dish gets a flavor upgrade with crispy pancetta. Tender pasta, sweet peas, and salty pork come together in a creamy, starchy broth for a simple, soul-warming bowl of goodness.

🍴 Ingredients

8 oz ditalini or small pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
4 oz pancetta, diced
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups frozen peas (no need to thaw)
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

🔥 Instructions
Cook the Pancetta:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until crispy and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.

Sauté Aromatics:
Add chopped onion to the pancetta drippings and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Simmer Peas and Pasta:
Add peas and broth to the pan. Bring to a simmer. Stir in pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the broth has thickened, about 10–12 minutes.

Finish with Cheese and Pancetta:
Stir in the Parmesan and return pancetta to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for a few minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

Serve:
Spoon into bowls and garnish with extra cheese and parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread for the full experience.

📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Pasta e Piselli with Pancetta

🍳 All-Clad Stainless Steel Saute Pan – Ideal for sautéing and simmering all in one pan.
🔪 Chef’s Knife for Chopping Onions and Herbs – Sharp and durable for effortless prep.
🧀 Parmesan Cheese Grater – Get fresh, fluffy cheese shavings every time.
🍝 Ditalini Pasta – The perfect shape for this traditional dish.
🥄 Wooden Spoon Set – Gentle on nonstick pans while stirring thick pasta mixtures.

💡 Helpful Tip: For a creamier texture, mash some of the peas with a fork as the pasta finishes cooking to naturally thicken the broth.