This Easy Italian Peas and Onions recipe is made with frozen sweet peas that are sautéed in olive oil, onions and garlic for an easy and delicious side dish for busy weeknight dinners and is elegant enough for holiday dinners and special occasions.
Italian peas and onions (Piselli alla Cipolla) is a tasty Italian side dish. Coming from a big Italian family who live in southern Italy, I’ve eaten my share of peas and I love them! Do check out more of my Italian recipes.
Easy Italian Peas and Onions Recipe
This classic Italian contorno (side dish) combines the sweetness of peas with the savory depth of sautéed onions and garlic, all brought together with the rich flavor of extra virgin olive oil. It’s much more flavorful than simple steamed peas and with little effort.
Many Italian peas and onions recipes include pancetta (Italian style bacon) which is great but, how often do you have a $10 piece of pancetta lying around in your refrigerator? If you do, that’s great but, I must admit that I do not.
This recipe is no fuss and cheap! Plus, it satisfies the “vegetarian and vegan” dish at the table, if you need one.
It’s great to make when you don’t have much time to prep dinner or you’ve spent your allowable time on a big Maple Glazed Ham for Christmas or Easter, which would taste perfect with this recipe by the way!
It goes with a variety of meat main dishes, Italian or not. See my suggestions below.
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Ingredients
*The full, printable recipe is in the recipe card below.
- frozen sweet peas
- extra virgin olive oil
- yellow or white onion
- garlic cloves
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions Summary
First, heat olive oil in a frying pan on med-high heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic cloves. Sautee one-two minutes.
Then, add the frozen peas and continue to cook for about ten minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.
Don’t cover them or they’ll steam rather than saute. Here’s what they’ll look like when they’re done.
Don’t they look delicious? This simple side dish is flavorful and easy-to-make. You can turn it into a meal by adding cooked pasta.
Top it with some grated parmesan cheese if you’d like. I know I would!
What to serve with Italian Peas and Onions
BBQ Meatloaf or Air Fryer Meatloaf
Make this delicious and budget-friendly Italian Peas and Onions recipe when you need a quick and easy side dish on busy weeknights or for a holiday dinner. It’s versatility and taste earn it a place on your dinner rotation.
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Easy Italian Peas and Onions Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 13 oz frozen peas
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- First, heat extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan on med-high heat.
- Then, add chopped onions and minced garlic cloves. Sautee one-two minutes.
- Then, add the frozen peas and continue to cook for about ten minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Peas are done when they're starting to brown and are tender.
Notes
Storage
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up several days.Did You Make This Recipe?
If you made this recipe don’t forget to leave a review!
Categories:
6 Ingredient Dishes, Gluten Free Recipes, Italian Recipes, Italian Side Dishes, Side dishes, Vegan,
Hi Diane. Thanks for coming back to comment and I’m glad you liked the recipe.
yum