30-Minutes Pea Soup With Pasta And Parmesan Recipe – An Italian Twist

Dive into a culinary journey where rustic flavors unite in a symphony of delight. Our pea soup with pasta and parmesan recipe, brimming with flavor, delivers comfort in every spoonful. This humble green elixir reinvents traditional comfort food with an Italian twist, celebrating each mealtime. 

Unexpectedly sublime, its unique blend of ingredients satiates your hunger and your culinary curiosity. As you explore this recipe, your senses awaken, embarking on a gastronomic adventure. This isn’t just about satisfying your appetite—it’s about celebrating the joy of food and the art of cooking. 

Let’s begin this delightful exploration together.

What is pea soup with pasta and parmesan recipe?

Pea soup with pasta and Parmesan is a delightful dish combining the earthy flavor of peas with the rich taste of Parmesan cheese. To prepare, sauté onions and garlic, add peas, broth, and pasta. Simmer until the peas are tender and the pasta is cooked.

Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan for a savory kick. This hearty soup offers a comforting blend of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

• Proteins: You could add cooked chicken, ham, pancetta, or even crumbled sausage to the soup for an extra boost of protein.
• Beans: Consider adding cannellini beans or chickpeas for added fiber and texture.
• Greens: For a nutritional boost, stir in spinach, kale, or Swiss chard at the end of cooking.
• Grains: Substitute pasta with farro, barley, or even quinoa for a unique spin.
• Cheese: If Parmesan isn’t your favorite, use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a creamy Mascarpone.
• Spices: Introduce a bit of heat with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of nutmeg for a warm, earthy note.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

• Vegan: Substitute the Parmesan for nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy flavor but make the dish vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or substitute it with a grain like quinoa or rice.
• Creamy: Puree some or all of the soup for a creamier texture.

Add-Ons

• Protein: Ham, bacon, or cooked chicken can add extra flavor and protein.
• Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes could provide an extra burst of flavor.
• Beans: White beans or chickpeas could give additional heartiness and protein.

Toppings

• Croutons: Add a nice crunch to each bite.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill can brighten the dish.
• Cheese: Extra Parmesan or another hard cheese like pecorino or asiago can bring another layer of flavor.
• Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds add an interesting texture contrast.
• Olive Oil Drizzle: A final drizzle of good quality olive oil can add richness and depth.
• Lemon Zest: A bit of lemon zest can add a fresh, zingy contrast to the soup’s flavors.

Can I Make Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

• Sauté your aromatics (such as onions, garlic, carrots, and celery) on the stove before adding them to the slow cooker for added depth of flavor. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and put everything directly into the slow cooker.
• Add the peas, stock, herbs, or seasonings directly into the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• About 30 minutes before serving, add the pasta directly into the slow cooker to cook. This way, it won’t get too soft.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan just before serving for that rich, cheesy flavor.

Instant Pot

• Use the sauté function to cook your aromatics before adding peas, stock, herbs, or seasonings.
• Lock the lid in place, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
• After the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
• Use the sauté function again to bring the soup to a boil and add the pasta. Cook until the pasta is al dente.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Can I Use Store-Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth

• Convenience is the main advantage of store-bought broth. It’s ready to use and available at any time.
• It’s consistent in flavor, which can be helpful if you want predictable results.
• Quality can vary significantly between brands, so try a few to find one you like. Look for low-sodium versions to control the salt content of your soup better.
• Some store-bought broths can contain additives or preservatives, so if this concerns you, read the labels carefully.

Homemade Broth

• Homemade broth can offer a deeper, more complex flavor, especially if you roast the bones (for meat-based broths) or vegetables before simmering them.
• It allows more control over the ingredients, including the salt content and the type of vegetables, herbs, and spices used.
• Broth can be time-consuming but can be made in large batches and stored in the freezer for future use.
• It can be a good way to reduce food waste, as it can be made from scraps like vegetable peelings or chicken bones.

How To Serve?

• Temperature: Serve the soup hot, but not too hot. Letting it rest for a minute after cooking will allow the flavors to meld and the temperature to become just right for eating.
• Garnish: Consider topping the soup with a little extra-grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Not only does this make the dish look more appealing, but it can also enhance the flavor.
• Bread Pairing: A crusty piece of bread or a breadstick on the side is a traditional accompaniment to soup. It provides textural contrast and is excellent for dipping.
• Salad: A light, fresh salad can complement the hearty soup well. A simple green salad or a tangy vinaigrette-based slaw could be great options.
• Drink Pairing: A glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, can pair nicely with this soup. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a crisp iced tea or sparkling water with a twist of lemon.
• Serve in a Preheated Bowl: To ensure the soup stays warm, consider heating the serving bowls slightly before ladling the soup into them.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread or Breadsticks: As mentioned earlier, fresh, warm bread is a classic soup accompaniment. It’s great for scooping up the last bits of soup and adds a delightful contrast in texture.
• Simple Green Salad: A salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette can provide a fresh and crisp contrast to the hearty soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or bell peppers, can be a colorful and healthy addition.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair your soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a more indulgent meal. The grilled bread’s crunchiness and the cheese’s meltiness work wonderfully with the creamy soup.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with vegetables and a citrus dressing can add protein and a refreshing flavor to your meal.
• Charcuterie Board: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and fruits can be a fun and versatile side that lets everyone customize their meal.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Storage: Store leftover pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
• Make Ahead: You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Prepare the soup as directed, but do not add the pasta or Parmesan cheese. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stove, add the cooked pasta, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

• Asparagus Soup: Reheat the leftover soup and enjoy it as a delicious lunch or dinner option for the next day.
• Asparagus Frittata: Use the leftover asparagus and potatoes to make a frittata. Mix them with beaten eggs, seasonings, and cheese, then bake until set. It makes for a tasty breakfast or brunch dish.
• Asparagus Salad: Chop the leftover asparagus into bite-sized pieces and toss them with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing salad.
• Asparagus Risotto: Incorporate the leftover asparagus into a creamy risotto by adding it during the last few minutes of cooking. It adds both flavor and color to the dish.
• Asparagus and Potato Hash: Sauté the leftover asparagus and potatoes with diced onions and other desired vegetables. Serve it as a hearty side dish for breakfast or alongside grilled meats.

TIPS

• For added flavor, sauté diced pancetta or bacon before adding the onions and garlic.
• Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer taste.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for a smoky undertone.
• Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale for added nutrition.
• Top each bowl with a dollop of pesto for a burst of fresh herb flavor.
• For a creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the pasta.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for a hearty meal.

Nutrition Table