The BEST 35-Min Pasta and Peas in Tomato Sauce You’ll Ever Taste

Pasta and Peas Recipe: Tomato Sauce Edition

Looking for a cozy dinner with pantry staples and BIG flavor?

This Italian Pasta and Peas recipe uses a tomato-based sauce, frozen peas, and pasta for a hearty, satisfying one-pot meal.

It’s bold, savory, and ready in just 35 minutes—ideal for weeknights or lazy weekends.

📝 Key Ingredients

• Ditalini or Tubetti Pasta – Classic Italian shape for soups and saucy dishes.
• Olive Oil – Rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
• Onion – Brings sweetness and depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Adds subtle heat.
• Tomato Paste – The star of the sauce—thick, rich, and flavorful.
• Water – Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
• Frozen Peas – Sweet, tender, and easy to use.
• Pecorino Romano – Sharp and salty cheese for the ultimate finish.
• Salt – Brings all the flavors together.

🍝 Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Pantry-Friendly – No fancy ingredients required.
• Cozy Italian Classic – Familiar, filling, and family-approved.
• Ready in 35 Minutes – Fast comfort food with minimal effort.

🍽️ What to Serve with Pasta and Peas

• Crusty Garlic Bread – For scooping every last bit of sauce.
• Simple Green Salad – Balances the hearty pasta beautifully.
• Chianti or Red Table Wine – A rustic sip for a rustic dish.

💗 More Related Recipes

• Creamy Coconut Cake Recipe – A soft, sweet dessert to follow this savory dish.
• Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta – A lighter seafood option with spring vibes.
• Broccoli Cauliflower Salad – A cool, crunchy side to serve with warm pasta.

Print Recipe

The BEST 35-Min Pasta and Peas in Tomato Sauce You’ll Ever Taste

Cooking Method: Stovetop Cuisine: Italian Courses: Main Dish

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 820

Best Season: Spring

Description

If you’re craving bold flavor and total comfort, this Pasta and Peas in Tomato Sauce is calling your name.

Made with ditalini pasta, tomato paste, peas, and Pecorino, it’s a classic Italian one-pot meal—simple, satisfying, and ready in just 35 minutes.

🍝 Ingredients You’ll Need:

Servings

• 1 pound ditalini or tubetti

• ¹⁄₂ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• ¹⁄₂ tsp large onion, diced

• 6 oz tomato paste

• 4 cups water, plus more to thin

• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste

• 12 oz frozen peas

• ³⁄₄ cup Pecorino Romano, grated

👩‍🍳 How to Make Pasta and Peas in Tomato Sauce

1. Step 1: Start the Sauce

   Heat olive oil in a large pot.

   Add onion and red pepper flakes.

   Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

   
   Mark as complete

1. Step 2: Add Tomato Paste

   Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

   Add water and bring to a simmer.

   
   Mark as complete

1. Step 3: Add Pasta and Peas

   Stir in ditalini and peas. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

   
   Mark as complete

1. Step 4: Adjust Consistency

   Add more water as needed for a creamy, stew-like texture. Stir in salt and adjust to taste.

   
   Mark as complete

1. Step 5: Finish and Serve

   Remove from heat. Stir in grated Pecorino. Serve warm with extra cheese and fresh black pepper.

   
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) :

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 820kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 31.6g49%

Saturated Fat 6.2g31%

Sodium 273mg12%

Potassium 903mg26%

Total Carbohydrate 115.7g39%

Dietary Fiber 12.8g52%

Sugars 18g

Protein 27.2g55%

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Calcium 217 mg

Iron 8 mg

* Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home.

Note

✔️ Expert Tips

• Sauté tomato paste for extra depth of flavor.
• Don’t overcook the peas—they should stay tender.
• Add basil or parsley for extra freshness.
• Stir often—this dish thickens fast as it simmers.

🕒 Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead – Sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Add pasta when reheating.
• Storage – Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat – Warm on the stove with a splash of water or broth.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much water—sauce should be thick, not soupy.
• Not stirring frequently—pasta can stick fast.
• Skipping the tomato paste sauté—it boosts flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta—it should be tender, not mushy.

🌿 Healthier Alternatives for This Recipe

• Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
• Swap olive oil for avocado oil or use less.
• Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
• Reduce cheese or use plant-based Pecorino.
• Use low-sodium tomato paste and salt to taste.

📌 Key Points Recap

• One-pot pasta + sauce = less mess.
• Tomato paste makes a rich, thick sauce fast.
• Peas add sweetness and color.
• Pecorino finishes the dish with bold, salty flavor.

Learn more about traditional Pasta e Piselli sipandfeast.com

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Keywords: Pasta and Peas, Pasta e Piselli, Italian Pasta with Tomato Sauce