Macaroni & Peas Comfort

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.

I remember making macaroni & peas as a child when I wanted something warm, hearty, and simple. It is the dish I turn to when I want to recreate cozy memories or offer comfort to family and friends.

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

Instructions

Dispense soap hands-free for quick handwashing and easier cleanup while cooking and handling ingredients.

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Cook 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 Base:

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.

Combine:

Drain the pasta and peas, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water. Add the drained pasta and peas to the skillet with the onions. Stir in milk (or cream), Parmesan cheese, a splash of reserved pasta water, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Finish:

Toss everything together over low heat until creamy and well coated, adding more pasta water if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

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When my children come home and request something that reminds them of grandma, macaroni & peas is always my answer. Sharing this at the family table brings back conversations and laughter from generations.

Required Tools

Large pot, colander, large skillet or sauté pan, wooden spoon or spatula, grater (for Parmesan)

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), cheese (dairy). Use gluten-free macaroni and plant-based alternatives for dairy-free options. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories per serving: 385. Fat: 12 g. Carbohydrates: 53 g. Protein: 14 g.

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Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.

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Enjoy this macaroni & peas piping hot for maximum creaminess and comfort. Leftovers make a wonderful lunch the next day.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen peas can be added directly during the last minutes of cooking to keep their sweetness and texture.

→ How can I make the sauce creamier?

Stirring in reserved pasta water along with milk and Parmesan helps create a smooth, creamy coating on the macaroni.

→ What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast offers a similar savory flavor, or plant-based cheese alternatives can be used.

→ Is it possible to add protein like meat or seafood?

Yes, cooked ham, bacon, or canned tuna can be mixed in to enhance protein content and flavor variety.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Cooking pasta in plenty of salted water and stirring occasionally before draining keeps it separate and al dente.