First, let’s talk about the pasta. Any type of pasta will work for this dish, but traditionally short pastas like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni are used. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente, which means it has a slightly firm texture when bitten. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Next, it’s time to prepare the peas. In the Neapolitan-style version of this dish, the peas are cooked until they are soft and then blended into a creamy sauce. To make the pea sauce, start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add some minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Then, add in the peas and some chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the peas are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the peas are cooked, transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids, as the steam can cause the blender lid to pop off. To prevent this, leave the blender lid slightly ajar and cover it with a towel to catch any splatters.
Once the sauce is blended, return it to the skillet and add some heavy cream, fresh basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together, about 5-10 minutes.
Finally, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pea sauce and toss to combine. The pasta should be fully coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of pasta water to thin it out.
Serve the pasta with Neapolitan-style peas hot, with additional grated Parmesan and fresh basil on top. This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light red wine like Chianti.
In addition to being delicious, pasta with Neapolitan-style peas is also quite healthy. Peas are a great source of protein and fiber, while the cream and Parmesan provide a bit of indulgence without going overboard. You can also customize this dish to your liking by adding in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
Overall, pasta with Neapolitan-style peas is a simple yet satisfying dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please any pasta lover. Buon appetito!