Oven-Baked Spring Pea Shell Pasta

Oven-Baked Spring Pea Shell Pasta

Oven-Baked Spring Pea Shell Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the creaminess of sauce and the freshness of peas. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. With just a few easy steps, you can have a comforting pasta dish that everyone will love.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a great choice because it’s simple, delicious, and comforting. The combination of pasta shells, creamy sauce, and sweet green peas creates a flavorful meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it is an easy dish to prepare, letting you enjoy your time with family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Make Oven-Baked Spring Pea Shell Pasta

Making Oven-Baked Spring Pea Shell Pasta is easy and fun. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces dry medium pasta shells
• 1 1/2 cups frozen green peas (do not thaw)
• 2 cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or softened butter for greasing the dish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Lightly grease a medium ceramic baking dish with olive oil or butter.
3. Pour the dry pasta shells into the dish and spread them into an even layer.
4. Scatter the frozen green peas evenly over the pasta shells.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
6. Slowly pour the mixture over the pasta and peas, ensuring the liquid seeps down through the shells.
7. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and stir gently. Bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
9. Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving, sprinkling with extra Parmesan.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Spring Pea Shell Pasta

Oven-Baked Spring Pea Shell Pasta is best served warm. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finish. Pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Oven-Baked Spring Pea Shell Pasta

To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Tips to Make Oven-Baked Spring Pea Shell Pasta

• If you want to add more flavor, consider sautéing some garlic or onion before adding the broth and cream.
• For a little spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Feel free to mix in other vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, for added nutrition and flavor.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by switching out the peas for other vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a different taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used, but you will need to cook them briefly before adding them to the dish.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze Oven-Baked Spring Pea Shell Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just make sure it is in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven after thawing, and it may need a little extra time to heat through.

Oven-Baked Spring Pea Shell Pasta

A delightful dish that combines creamy sauce and fresh peas, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Vegetables

• 8 ounces dry medium pasta shells
• 1.5 cups frozen green peas do not thaw

Creamy Sauce

• 2 cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Greasing

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or softened butter optional for greasing the dish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Lightly grease a medium ceramic baking dish with olive oil or butter.
3. Pour the dry pasta shells into the dish and spread them into an even layer.
4. Scatter the frozen green peas evenly over the pasta shells.

Making the Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together the broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Slowly pour the mixture over the pasta and peas, ensuring the liquid seeps down through the shells.

Baking

1. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and stir gently. Bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
3. Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving, sprinkling with extra Parmesan.

Notes

To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. For added flavor, sauté garlic or onion before adding the broth and cream, and consider adding red pepper flakes for some spice. Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for additional nutrition and flavor.