Macaroni with peas creamy sauce (Printable)

Tender pasta combined with sweet peas in a creamy Parmesan sauce for a quick, comforting meal.

# What you'll need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz dried macaroni

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup frozen or fresh green peas
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy & Flavorings

05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 1/4 cup whole milk or cream
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Black pepper, to taste
10 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente as per package directions. In the last 2 minutes, add the peas to the boiling water.
02 - While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Drain the pasta and peas, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water for later use.
04 - Add drained pasta and peas to the skillet with onions. Stir in milk or cream, grated Parmesan, a splash of reserved pasta water, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Toss over low heat until creamy and evenly coated, adding more pasta water if necessary.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if preferred.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients for an easy meal
02 -
  • For vegan or dairy-free, substitute butter and cheese with plant-based options
  • This dish easily adapts to gluten-free macaroni
03 -
  • Reserve extra pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add vibrant flavor at the end
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