Hearty Macaroni and Peas Delight
Indulge in this hearty Macaroni and Peas Delight, a comfort food classic that warms the soul. Packed with vibrant flavors, this dish features tender macaroni enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, complemented by sweet peas and a kick of spice. It's the perfect remedy for chilly winter nights, best enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread and a glass of robust red wine. This meal is not only satisfying but also simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner or an inviting gathering with friends.
4-6
Servings
250
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
olive oil
to taste (for sautéing)
red pepper flakes
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Italian seasoning
to taste (for seasoning (mixed oregano, basil, parsley))
tomato sauce
1 (28 ounce) can (canned)
water
14 ounces (from 1/2 can of tomato sauce)
frozen peas
14 ounces (added during last 20 minutes of cooking)
macaroni
1 lb (elbows or small shells, cooked as directed)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely chopping the small onion and mincing the garlic cloves.
2
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4
Pour in the 28-ounce can of tomato sauce along with half the can of water (about 14 ounces). Stir to combine.
5
Season the sauce with red pepper flakes, black pepper, and Italian seasoning according to your taste preferences. For a spicier sauce, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes.
6
Cover the pot and allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
In the last 20 minutes of simmering, add the frozen peas to the pot, stirring gently to incorporate them into the sauce.
8
Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni (elbows or small shells) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
9
Once the sauce has finished simmering and the peas are heated through, combine the cooked macaroni with the sauce in the pot, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated in the delicious sauce.
10
Serve the macaroni and peas in large bowls, topped generously with grated cheese. Enjoy this dish as a soupy pasta meal alongside warm bread and your favorite red wine.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
37.5
Carbs
7.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Macaroni and Peas Delight?
It is a comfort food classic featuring macaroni in a rich tomato sauce with sweet peas and spices.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe recommends using macaroni elbows or small pasta shells.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes.
When should the frozen peas be added?
Add the frozen peas during the last 20 minutes of the sauce simmering process.
Do I cook the macaroni in the sauce pot?
No, the macaroni should be cooked in a separate pot of salted water and then combined with the sauce.
How much water is added to the tomato sauce?
You should add 14 ounces of water, which is equivalent to half of the tomato sauce can.
What are the main spices used in this dish?
The sauce is seasoned with red pepper flakes, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
What is included in the Italian seasoning?
The Italian seasoning used here is a mix of oregano, basil, and parsley.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 250 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 37.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
Olive oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the finely chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until softened.
How long should the garlic be sautéed?
Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add extra red pepper flakes to increase the heat of the sauce.
What is the recommended side for this meal?
It is best enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread.
What wine pairs well with this macaroni and peas?
A robust red wine is the recommended pairing for this dish.
What size onion is required?
One small onion, finely chopped, is required for this recipe.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the total weight of the frozen peas used?
The recipe uses 14 ounces of frozen peas.
What size can of tomato sauce is needed?
You will need one 28-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for winter?
Yes, it is described as a warming comfort food ideal for chilly winter nights.
How is the dish served?
Serve it in large bowls topped generously with grated cheese.
Is the texture more like a soup or a pasta dish?
It is described as a soupy pasta meal.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be minced before sautéing.
How much macaroni is used?
The recipe requires 1 lb of macaroni elbows or shells.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.