Shells and Peas Poor Man's Pasta Sauce

Transform simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal with "Shells and Peas Poor Man's Pasta Sauce," a budget-friendly recipe that's as comforting as it is easy to make. Featuring tender pasta shells tossed in a light yet flavorful sauce made from olive oil, garlic, sweet peas, and vegetable broth, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. The optional addition of Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley elevates the dish, giving it a gourmet touch without breaking the bank. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're looking for an affordable, pantry-friendly dinner, this quick and easy pasta recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a wholesome meal that’s big on flavor and light on effort, with just simple ingredients that pack a punch.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz medium pasta shells
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 0.5 cup pasta cooking water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they are heated through and slightly tender.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.

Step 8

Gradually stir in the reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 9

If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss until melted and incorporated.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (if desired) and serve immediately with an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1014.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2192.9

Total Fat 69.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 95.2mg	0%
Sodium 3582.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 295.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.5g	0%
Total Sugars 24.5g
Protein 101.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1473.4mg	0%
Iron 8.6mg	0%
Potassium 1413.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.2%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 53.5%